Friday, October 21, 2016
O'NEILL SELECTED FOR USBC BOARD
O’NEILL SELECTED FOR USBC BOARD
ARLINGTON, Texas – Bill O’Neill of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, has been selected to serve on the United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors starting with the 2016-2017 season.
O’Neill was selected to serve as an athlete representative on the USBC Board. He fills the spot opened when Mike Fagan chose not to seek reelection and O’Neill’s term will run through the 2018-2019 season.
A seven-time member of Team USA, O’Neill captured 24 medals in international competition, including 15 golds. He retired from Team USA earlier this year but continues to compete on the Professional Bowlers Association Tour.
He captured his seventh career PBA title when he won the PBA/PWBA Xtra Frame Striking Against Breast Cancer Mixed Doubles with Shannon O'Keefe this summer.
“I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the USBC Board,” O’Neill said. “This is a great chance for me to give back to the sport that has provided me with so much throughout my career.”
O’Neill earned All-America honors each of his four years at Saginaw Valley State University and the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) named him Most Valuable Player in 2003 and 2004.
He joined the PBA Tour in 2005-2006 and earned Rookie of the Year honors. He won his first two titles during the 2009-2010 season, including the U.S. Open title.
For more information on the USBC Board, go to BOWL.com/Board.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). USBC conducts championship events nationwide including the largest participation sporting events in the world – the USBC Open and Women’s Championships – and professional events such as the USBC Masters and USBC Queens.
Founded in 1895, today USBC and its 2,500 state and local associations proudly serve more than a million members. USBC is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, working toward a future for the sport. The online home for USBC is BOWL.com.
Thursday, October 20, 2016
HERE & THERE COLUMN
Local Musician Is A Hot Ticket
Every now and then a talented musician tops the local hit parade and
such would be the case of Grahamsville guitarist and singer Albi Beluli
who draws crowds wherever he performs.
Albi, who hails from the famed Beluli family and their reputation for excellent food at the Grahamsville Deli, left the Deli business earlier this year to concentrate on his musical career.
Albi noted that he had been in the family Grahamsville Deli business since he was a teenager.
Following high school graduation he attended and graduated from Sullivan County Community College and furthered his musical education by taking courses at Fredonia State University.
He started his musical career in 1994 while in college and the bands he played with performed at McCabes, the Triangle Diner and various other locations throughout Sullivan County.
Asked what he envisioned in now his full-time musical career Albi said, "I'm 41 now and like what I'm doing and can make an OK living and the best part is I enjoy entertaining."
"I like meeting people, playing for happy hours for weddings, birthday and social parties and I do clubs, restaurants and bars," Albi noted.
His style of music includes classic rock and he likes Elvis Presley and Albi said he loves older music."I add some five new songs every couple of weeks to keep my show entertaining and keep it fresh."
Albi pointed out he likes singing songs where people sing along and music that makes people feel good.
"I've make a lot of friends with my gigs and have a nice following wherever I play and that is what makes entertaining special for me," Albi noted.
Albi is married and has one three year-old son.
Anyone wanting to know where Albi is performing can obtain that information on Facebook.
For an enjoyable evening catch one of Albi's shows.....it's worth the trip from anywhere.
Albi, who hails from the famed Beluli family and their reputation for excellent food at the Grahamsville Deli, left the Deli business earlier this year to concentrate on his musical career.
Albi noted that he had been in the family Grahamsville Deli business since he was a teenager.
Following high school graduation he attended and graduated from Sullivan County Community College and furthered his musical education by taking courses at Fredonia State University.
He started his musical career in 1994 while in college and the bands he played with performed at McCabes, the Triangle Diner and various other locations throughout Sullivan County.
Asked what he envisioned in now his full-time musical career Albi said, "I'm 41 now and like what I'm doing and can make an OK living and the best part is I enjoy entertaining."
"I like meeting people, playing for happy hours for weddings, birthday and social parties and I do clubs, restaurants and bars," Albi noted.
His style of music includes classic rock and he likes Elvis Presley and Albi said he loves older music."I add some five new songs every couple of weeks to keep my show entertaining and keep it fresh."
Albi pointed out he likes singing songs where people sing along and music that makes people feel good.
"I've make a lot of friends with my gigs and have a nice following wherever I play and that is what makes entertaining special for me," Albi noted.
Albi is married and has one three year-old son.
Anyone wanting to know where Albi is performing can obtain that information on Facebook.
For an enjoyable evening catch one of Albi's shows.....it's worth the trip from anywhere.
BOWLING HIGHLIGHTS COLUMN
A decline In Local League Bowlers
There are four bowling establishments in Sullivan County, Callicoon Kristal Bowl, Liberty Bowl, Kiamesha Lanes and Beechwood Lanes.
Two of the four saw a decline in league bowlers for the 2016-17 bowling season.
Callicoon Kristal Bowl saw the demise of the Tuesday Men's league with several of the teams going over to the Wednesday Men's league while others seemingly just aren't bowling.
Kiamesha Lanes saw the Wednesday Men's league fold, several of the teams went to either the Monday Men's or the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league.
The Friday Mixed league also saw a decline in bowlers and there are also no Mixed Leagues on Saturday or Sunday.
Liberty Bowl saw the start of a Wednesday night Fun league with no prize money nor regular league commitment....just show up when ever you want to and bowl....but one can obtain a USBC average if they bowl 21 games.
What has happened to the days when the former Liberty Lanes and Kiamesha Lanes had double shifts Monday through Thursday and mixed leagues on the weekends.
I think if you asked bowlers why they bowled leagues, some of their answers would be to win the league and make a profit....and by profit they mean cover their costs of lineage and prize fund paid during the league year.
Now, as we all know, lineage has probably doubled and tripled over the past 20 years and league fees and prize funds have not.
So in previous decades, you had a $15 league where $5 went to lineage and $10 went to the prize fund. Well in today's prices, that same league probably pays close to $10 in lineage. So the league fees would need to jump to $20 a week just to be at the same level as they were in the previous decade.
So maybe you are paying more per week now and getting back the exact same prize fund you did years ago so this tends to be the fact that less bowlers are being profitable....more bowlers are losing money and eventually quitting.
Money leagues are going away as it is harder to make a profit thus the bowler loses interest.
In future weeks we will explore other factors that have contributed to bowlers leaving the sport and what bowling establishments must do to attract new bowlers and keep the ones they have.
Ed's Outlook
The Professional Bowlers Association has announced a
pair of special packages to provide GEICO World Series of Bowling VIII
fans with unique experiences when the world’s greatest bowlers return to
Reno Nov. 28-Dec. 11.
The new “Strike” and “300 Game” World Series Fan Experience packages can be booked online by visiting http://www.pba.com/Tickets.
Either package will insure fans have confirmed rooms at Silver Legacy
over the Dec. 10-11 weekend, when rooms are expected to be hard-to-find
in Reno. Fan Experience packages should be made by no later than Nov.
14.
The “Strike” package includes two nights’ lodging at Silver Legacy
Resort, two VIP tickets for all ESPN finals on Saturday, Dec. 10, and
the live PBA World Championship finals on Sunday, Dec. 11; and
round-trip transportation from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (for
those flying to Reno). Price options per person depend upon the type of
room selected. For the “Strike” package, options are: deluxe ($200),
luxury ($220), superior ($245) and deluxe spa suite ($420).
The
“300 Game” package includes three nights’ lodging at Silver Legacy
Resort, two VIP tickets to all ESPN finals on Saturday and Sunday, Dec.
10-11, a behind-the-scenes tour of the PBA Players Services truck and
ESPN production truck; an official autographed PBA Tour bowling
pan; an official WSOB t-shirt, and transportation to-and-from Reno Tahoe
International Airport for those flying to Reno. Optional prices per
person for the “300 Game” package, depending upon type of room selected,
are: deluxe ($340), luxury ($370), superior ($410) and deluxe spa suite
($670).
The
ESPN television schedule for the World Series includes the finals of
the Cheetah, Chameleon, Scorpion and Shark Opens on Saturday, and the
PBA World Championship plus a new USA vs. the World special event on
Sunday.
Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo
Bowling a curve ball or hook is one of he most effective ways to consistently bowl strikes.
Curve balls can be tricky to learn
however and require lots of practice. You should start out with a
lighter ball than you would normally use to get the feeling of curving
the ball.
A bowling pro shop can even equip you with a special practice ball for this particular bowling technique.
Let's get started with the how to's of hook bowling.
When you start your approach, as usual
you want to bring the ball back into swing position and keep your palm
somewhat behind the ball. At the bottom of your swing you will want to
release the ball and let it roll off your thumb first.
This allows the ball to roll from the
fingers and have more curve power. As the ball rolls from the fingers
the hand motion should be upwards to roll rather then glide the ball on
the lane.
For this type of technique you must have a well fit ball that the thumb hole is not too tight.
Concentrate on getting your thumb out of
the ball first and lifting with your fingers up the side of the ball. Do
not try to generate a curve with your wrist by coming over top of the
ball.
Lift straight up the sides.....the
motions that this requires may feel awkward at first and as long as you
use a ball that is not too heavy you can control the amount of curve you
get.
Learning to bowl hook balls can be a
large investment time wise in practice, but this investment will be
repaid in full when your average score improves greatly.
Mike Luongo is a certified IBPSIA Pro
Shop Operator, Master Instructor, Silver Level Coach and an
Advisor-Special Events assistant with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling
Ball Company. Have a question, email Mike at mikel@stormbowling.com
Local Scores
Kiamesha Lanes
Monday Men's
Real nice scoring by Vinny Collura of the
Monticello Greenhouse team with a 808 series of single games of 296,
244, 268. Vinnie presently maintains a 236 average in this league.
Other scores in this league.....Pedro
Agapito III a 225, Paul Durland 235, 237, 656, Donny Durland 258, 649,
Kevin Stackhouse 248, 652, Dave Graham 618, Charley Tuttle 228, Keith
Smith 256, 630, Eddie Lake 246, 258, 709, Rick Lake 236, 661, Gene Smith
235, 660, Michael Scuderi 234, 626, Tom Belgiovene 289, 231, 716, Lloyd
Bridges 256, 683, Jon Wilhelm 233, 623, John Lopez 225, Larry Whipple
257, 646, Jody Farquhar 233, 251, 689, John Hoffmann 628, Chris Parken
233, 623, Dennis Matthews 233, 236, Kyle Matthews 245, 631, Dean
Shattuck 601.
Tues. Mixed Firefighters
Pedro Agapito III a 258, 661, Eddie Lake
233, 250, 247, 730, Kyle Vanwolde 229, 614, Trasey Barres 269, 617,
Heather Dobell 181, Carena Collura 200, 531, Stanley Gilmore 233, Dustin
Graham 240, Charlie Tuttle 255, 232, 687, Joan Lake 199, 537, Rick Lake
622, Liz Stubits 204, Keith Smith 632, Tom Belgiovene 225, Kyle
Giordano 249, 266, 695, Jon Wilhelm 244, 663, James VanAken 601, Dave
Graham 236, 604.
Thursday Ladies
Sherri Laird 195, Lisa Cartwright 194,
506, Trasey Barres 236, 218, 602, Loretta VanAken 191, Liz Stubits 180,
Christie Graham 200, Joan Lake 190, 191, 546, Valerie Fersch 180,
Tabatha Smith 184, Shirley Bowens 208, Audrey Woolard 188.
Friday Mixed
John Hoffmann 233, 626, Paul Berens 243,
603, Anne Kaplan 182, Kevin Stackhouse 625, Vic Decker 236, Linda
Schaefer 186, Larry Whipple 235, 243, 646, Eddie Lake 616, Trasey Barres
231, 250, 653, Doris Castro 198, Aleah Balzano 182, Tito Santiago 242,
664, Loretta VanAken 189, Keith Smith 228, 247, 676, James VanAken 232,
636, Donnie Durland 246, 226, 227, 699, Mary Lee Williams 184, 186, 240,
610.
Wednesday, October 19, 2016
TACKETT DEFEATS RASH
EJ Tackett Defeats Sean Rash to Win PBA Fall King of the Swing Finale
ALLEN PARK, Mich. (Oct. 19, 2016) – PBA Fall Swing Bear Open winner EJ Tackett of Huntington, Ind., earned the title of King of the Swing by winning the PBA Fall Swing finale which aired on the CBS Sports Network Wednesday.
Tackett,
the winner of the Fall Swing’s Bear Open for his second title of the
season and third of his career, defeated Badger and Detroit Open winner
Sean Rash of Montgomery, Ill., 192-189, in the title match at
Thunderbowl Lanes in suburban Detroit.
The King of the Swing, a special showcase event, did not award a PBA Tour title, but it provided a unique challenge and
a $10,000 bonus to the winner. The competition required the finalists
to compete on a dramatically different lane condition on each lane – the
32-foot Wolf lane condition on the right lane and the 52-foot Badger
lane condition on the left lane – putting a premium on adjustments,
shot-making and equipment selections for the players.
Tackett,
Rash and Tom Daugherty of Riverview, Fla. (Wolf Open winner) earned
their spots in the special event by winning Fall Swing titles.
Australian Jason Belmonte and Wes Malott of Pflugerville, Texas earned
spots as the top non-winners in Fall Swing points.
In
a close title match, Rash held the edge until the seventh frame when he
left the 3-4-6-7 split and was not able to convert, handing the lead to
Tackett. With Tackett holding a three-pin
lead in the ninth frame and both players striking on their first ball
in the 10th, Tackett earned the win when Rash was unable to double.
“It’s
a unique challenge that you don’t see all year,” Tackett said about
bowling on two very different lane conditions. “You know coming in the
biggest challenge is getting the ball to do the right thing and whoever
is the first to get into a good rhythm is going to have the edge.”
Tackett, who was the No. 2 qualifier for
the stepladder finals, anticipated that using a different ball on each
lane to match up with the contrasting conditions was the first step in
putting together an effective strategy.
“Nothing
seemed definitive as far as an advantage on either lane,” Tackett
said. “On the long pattern (Badger), I used a ball with more surface and
played an outside lane which seemed to work pretty well.”
In
the semifinal, Tackett employed a similar strategy in defeating
Belmonte, the three-time reigning PBA Player of the Year, 226-194.
“I
had the feeling that if I had to bowl one more match I was going to
have to do something totally different,” Tackett added. “I was just
trying to get into some type of rhythm where I didn’t have to give the
pocket away.”
In
the opening match, Belmonte who had three top-five PBA Fall Swing
finishes, beat Malott who had two Fall Swing top-five finishes, 199-185. Belmonte then defeated Daugherty, 219-208, to advance to the semifinal against Tackett.
PBA FALL KING OF THE SWING
Thunderbowl Lanes, Allen Park, Mich., Wednesday
Final Standings:
1, EJ Tackett, Huntington, Ind., $10,000.
2, Sean Rash, Montgomery, Ill., $5,000.
3, Jason Belmonte, Australia, $4,000.
4, Tom Daugherty, Riverview, Fla., $3,000.
5, Wes Malott, Pflugerville, Texas, $2,000.
Stepladder Results:
Match One – Belmonte def. Malott, 199-185.
Match Two – Belmonte def. Daugherty, 219-208.
Semifinal Match – Tackett def. Belmonte, 226-194.
Championship Match – Tackett def. Rash, 192-189.
RAILRIDERS MAKE ANNOUNCEMENTS
Andy Ashby Highlights Major RailRiders Announcement
Two-Time All-Star One of Three Additions to SWB Ownership
Moosic, Pa. – Two-time Major League All-Star, former SWB Red Baron and NEPA resident Andy Ashby
was one of three additions to the SWB RailRiders’ (Triple-A/New York
Yankees) ownership group as announced by the team at a PNC Field press
conference today. Chuck Cohen and Steve Somers also were announced as new members of the team’s ownership.
Ashby spent parts
of the 1991 and 1992 seasons with the then-Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red
Barons during his rise with the Philadelphia Phillies. He also pitched
for the Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves and Los
Angeles Dodgers over 14 seasons in the big leagues. Ashby has since
served as a studio analyst for the Padres and as a game analyst for the
RailRiders. He was an All-Star for the Padres in both 1998 and 1999,
with the former going down as his best MLB season when he finished 17-9
with a 3.34 ERA, five complete games and 226.2 innings pitched. His 4.8
WAR (wins above replacement) ranked eighth in the NL that season per Baseball-Reference.com.
“It’s a new
challenge for me,” said Ashby. “It’s something I’m excited about. I’ve
played here and spent time in the majors, I think I can bring something
to the table. As a player, now being on the other side of it, if there
are questions about the player needs, I think I can help out. But I’m a
rookie as an owner. I’m going to sit back and ask questions. I’m here to
try and promote the ballclub. I don’t think you can ask for a better
venue than what we have here. I’m going to get out in the community,
meet people and spread the word about RailRiders baseball.”
Charles
“Chuck” Cohen is managing director and third-generation owner of Benco
Dental Company, the nation’s largest independently-owned dental
distributor, and Clarion Financial, a sister company offering financing
to dentists. Founded in 1930 by Benjamin Cohen, Benco serves over 25,000
dental offices and dental laboratories across the United States. The
company is based in Northeastern Pennsylvania with locations in 40
states. A graduate of Wyoming Seminary College Preparatory School and
the University of Pennsylvania, Charles joined Benco as a territory
representative in 1989. After taking on management roles in the
company’s sales and marketing department, he assumed a senior leadership
role in 1997; since that time, the company’s revenues have quadrupled.
Charles chairs the board of the Center for Research and Education in
Technology, a dental-trade group focused on introducing new technology
into North American dental schools. He also serves on the board of
Wilkes University, the Jewish Federation of Wilkes-Barre, the Advisory
Board of the Seattle Study Club, and the Pennsylvania chapter of Young
Presidents’ Organization. He has been awarded the Outstanding Young
Leader award by the Jewish Federation of Wilkes-Barre (2001), the Young
Entrepreneur of the Year by Junior Achievement of Northeastern
Pennsylvania (2002), and the Wyoming Seminary Outstanding Young Alumnus
award (1999). Charles and his wife Rebecca live in Allentown with their
son Benjamin & daughter Leah. Together they enjoy skiing, sailing,
traveling, and biking.
“I'm so pleased and proud to have joined a
championship team like the RailRiders,” said Cohen. “And the team isn't
just well-managed on the field. The entire operation is first-class,
from the maintenance crew to the food service team to the ticket
sellers. I'm excited to see us win for many years to come.”
Somers is the
owner and President of Vigon. With an M.S. in analytical chemistry, he
began his career on the technical side of the flavor and fragrance
industry, eventually ending up at Givaudan. He moved rapidly up through
the organization, being appointed as the business director of Givaudan’s
fragrance ingredient division and soon after promoted to director of
sales for North America. In pursuit of his vision of creating a unique
and progressive company, he purchased Vigon International in 1998. Under
Steve’s leadership, the company has since become one of the industry’s
fastest-growing companies.
“My
love of baseball has motivated be to pursue this opportunity,” said
Somers. “It is a dream to be a part owner of a team affiliated with the
most storied franchise in all of sports, the New York Yankees.”
The ownership additions were welcomed by another member of the team’s local ownership, Bob Mills.
“My fellow partners
and I are very excited with the addition of Steve, Chuck and Andy to
our ownership team,” said Mills. “All three gentlemen have a passion for
baseball and, more importantly, a passion for baseball to be successful
in Northeast Pennsylvania. Steve brings considerable insight into the
Poconos and Stroudsburg markets, and will help Josh (Olerud) and Jeremy
(Ruby) in the continued expansion of the RailRiders’ brand in those
markets. Chuck will provide the SWB RailRiders’ management team with an
immense amount of knowledge of the Northeast PA business community and
its leadership. And Andy provides the front office with Major League
insight into the baseball operations and, more importantly, a
relationship to the history of NEPA baseball thru his playing days here
with the Red Barons.”
The
2016 Gildan Triple-A National Champion RailRiders open their 2017 home
schedule on Monday, April 10 against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs
(Philadelphia Phillies). For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.
Friday, October 14, 2016
HERE & THERE COLUMN
Folks Liked Board of Supervisors
Remember the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors?
As we quietly sit back and watch government get larger and larger we began remembering that our county had a pretty good form of government under the former board of supervisors.
Then those so-called brilliant minds coordinated efforts to change the board of supervisors and elect legislators from legislative districts.
That of course meant that not only would we still have town supervisors but we would add another layer of government that an already overly taxed population would have to pay for.
Those supporting the new layer of government gave indications that the county supervisors weighted voting form of government was not legal (if it was not legal then why does our neighboring Delaware County exist today with a weighted voting board of supervisors)?
Now the Sullivan Charter Review Commission is considering recommending the addition of an elected county executive to replace our appointed county manager.
Nothing more than another layer of government. We don't need it.
In our travels throughout Sullivan County during the past month we asked the folks their opinion on having a board of supervisors or a county legislature with an elected county executive.
The majority told me they favored the supervisors and not the legislators and the reason why is that supervisors are more responsive to town folks....some town supervisors in the past even told me they have never seen their legislator at a town board meeting.
A board of supervisors with an appointed county manager (administrator) makes for a more financially acceptable form of government.
Bet you'll never hear that from the Sullivan Charter Review Commission.
Remember the Sullivan County Board of Supervisors?
As we quietly sit back and watch government get larger and larger we began remembering that our county had a pretty good form of government under the former board of supervisors.
Then those so-called brilliant minds coordinated efforts to change the board of supervisors and elect legislators from legislative districts.
That of course meant that not only would we still have town supervisors but we would add another layer of government that an already overly taxed population would have to pay for.
Those supporting the new layer of government gave indications that the county supervisors weighted voting form of government was not legal (if it was not legal then why does our neighboring Delaware County exist today with a weighted voting board of supervisors)?
Now the Sullivan Charter Review Commission is considering recommending the addition of an elected county executive to replace our appointed county manager.
Nothing more than another layer of government. We don't need it.
In our travels throughout Sullivan County during the past month we asked the folks their opinion on having a board of supervisors or a county legislature with an elected county executive.
The majority told me they favored the supervisors and not the legislators and the reason why is that supervisors are more responsive to town folks....some town supervisors in the past even told me they have never seen their legislator at a town board meeting.
A board of supervisors with an appointed county manager (administrator) makes for a more financially acceptable form of government.
Bet you'll never hear that from the Sullivan Charter Review Commission.
BOWLING HIGHLIGHTS COLUMN
Local Bowlers Become Pink Hero's
Sullivan County bowlers along with keglers nationwide are participating in the October National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Bowl for the Cure.
The campaign this year has launched a new Bowl Pink theme to recognize those in the bowling community who have supported the fight against breast cancer.
Bowl for the Cure, a year-round fundraising initiative sponsored by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) in partnership with Susan G. Komen, has made total contributions of more than $11 million to Susan G. Komen since 2000.
The Bowl Pink Hero campaign will focus on showcasing the work of associations, leagues, bowling centers and individuals who are doing more to support Bowl for the Cure and raise awareness about breast cancer.
USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy pointed out that "the success of Bowl for the Cure is because of our bowlers and associations across the country. They are the ones who put together the tournaments, silent auctions and other fundraisers, and it is because of their hard work and generosity that Bowl for the Cure is able to raise awareness and contribute to the fight against breast cancer.
For the month of October, Bowl for the Cure has asked associations to start the Bowl Pink challenge and st a goal of raising $500 in honor of Bowl for the Cure.
Donations can be mailed to USBC or sent online at BOWL.com/BFTC.
Please visit BOWL.com/BFTC (/bftc) for additional information on Bowl for the Cure and how you can make a difference this October.
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