Walter Ray Williams Jr. defeats Pete Weber
in Exhibition Webcast Match
Williams Jr. Triumphs Live On PBA.com’s Xtra Frame
Walter Ray Williams Jr. continued his domination over Pete Weber in televised matches using 10 out of a possible 12 strikes en route to a 257-199 exhibition victory Wednesday Januray 7. The match marked the first-ever “Xtra Frame Game” live streaming video match on PBA.com’s Xtra Frame.
Xtra Frame is a subscription streaming video service that features live match play round coverage of regular events, exclusive interviews with PBA stars and archived coverage of ESPN telecasts. The match is now available on demand on PBA.com’s Xtra Frame.
Over 50% of the 4,000 online voters chose the clash of two of the PBA’s greatest icons. Both are Hall of Famers and were ranked in the top 5 all time in PBA history as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration (Weber was 4th, Williams remains one of the three top ranked players whose final standing is yet to be revealed).
Williams Jr. added to his record number of career titles with victory 45 at this season’s Lake County Indiana Golden Anniversary Championship. 34-time titlist Weber, after a successful offseason bowling internationally, has yet to make a telecast this year.
Walter Ray Williams Jr. and Pete Weber have perhaps the biggest current rivalry in professional bowling with Williams Jr. dominating recent TV matchups. In 2006 Williams Jr. defeated Weber, 236-213 in the title match of the PBA World Championship and defeated PDW, 289-236 in the title match of the Dydo Japan Cup.
“In effect, this is bowling’s first pay-per-view match,” said PBA COO Tom Clark. “And the fans made a great choice. Who wouldn’t want to watch Walter Ray vs. PDW under any circumstance?”
To sign up for Xtra Frame and be able to watch this exhibition match plus the other features go to pba.com. Subscription price is $5.95 per month.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Here & There Column 1-6-09
We Don't See Village of Liberty Dissolving
Residents of the Village of Liberty have had their say on a proposal to dissolve the village and at this time it doesn't appear that a majority of the village board will go forward with this plan.
We have been told that there are several village residents that are or will be circulating a petition to force a vote to dissolve the village government but that the petition needs some 700 plus signatures.
Following the hearing on the proposal to dissolve or merge, control of the matter was entirely up to the village board to put the proposal to a village vote in the March village elections.
It appears the village board doesn't support this issue and the matter will not be on the March village ballet unless a petition containing over 700 plus village residents is successful.
The Town and Village several years ago jointly obtained a state grant that would study both dissolving the Village or the merger of services where possible.
The study said it would pay Liberty village residents to dissolve their government. The consultants from the Hudson Group concluded that dissolving the village would bring the greatest savings if the town qualifies for $1 million in incentives from the state for assuming services.
The other option is to merge or consolidate duplicated entities such as the justice court, department of public works and various others departments.
So for the time being unless a petition forces a vote in March the Village of Liberty does not look like it will dissolve .....but this should not stop merging of services where possible.
Residents of the Village of Liberty have had their say on a proposal to dissolve the village and at this time it doesn't appear that a majority of the village board will go forward with this plan.
We have been told that there are several village residents that are or will be circulating a petition to force a vote to dissolve the village government but that the petition needs some 700 plus signatures.
Following the hearing on the proposal to dissolve or merge, control of the matter was entirely up to the village board to put the proposal to a village vote in the March village elections.
It appears the village board doesn't support this issue and the matter will not be on the March village ballet unless a petition containing over 700 plus village residents is successful.
The Town and Village several years ago jointly obtained a state grant that would study both dissolving the Village or the merger of services where possible.
The study said it would pay Liberty village residents to dissolve their government. The consultants from the Hudson Group concluded that dissolving the village would bring the greatest savings if the town qualifies for $1 million in incentives from the state for assuming services.
The other option is to merge or consolidate duplicated entities such as the justice court, department of public works and various others departments.
So for the time being unless a petition forces a vote in March the Village of Liberty does not look like it will dissolve .....but this should not stop merging of services where possible.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Bowling Highlights Column 1-2-09
Steve Arndt II with his custom designed bowling themed motorcycle.NY Bowler Wins Bowling "Strike Bike"
The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA Beverage Committee)announced recently that Steve Arndt II of Waterloo, NY was selected as the grand prize winner in the 2008 “Win the Strike Bike” promotion
Ardnt is a league bowler at Falcon Lanes, a 16 lane center in Auburn, NY. The custom-designed bowling-themed motorcycle was built by the famed Teutul family at their Orange County Chopper facility in Newburgh, NY.
Participants in the nationwide contest received a special code whenever they
purchased a 44-oz Pepsi beverage in specially-marked Strike Bike cups that were only available in BPAA-Pepsi centers. During the 45-day promotion, over 52,000 entrants logged on to http://www.gobowling.com/ and entered their number for a chance to win.
“I bought several soft drinks between September 15 and October 31, 2008,” said a still-beaming Ardnt. “But I never thought I’d be the one holding the winning number.” A soon-to-be newlywed, Steve Ardnt and his fiancee are big bowlers and huge Orange County Chopper fans. As part of the package Steve and several of his family members traveled to the headquarters of Orange County Choppers to meet up with the Teutuls who custom made the Strike Bike which was featured in a 2008 episode of their TV show, American Chopper, on the Learning Channel.
“I still can’t believe it,” Ardnt said while taking a private tour of the Newburgh, NY facility where the TV show is filmed. “I mean, I was flipped out about winning the bike and meeting the OCC guys!"
The Strike Bike was by far the largest and best received promotion that the Beverage Committee provided to centers that participate in the BPAA-Pepsi national program, and plans are already in the works for 2009’s promotion.
Lane # 1 Offers
The "Chainsaw"
High performance on drier lanes at a more affordable price is how the Lane # 1 Bowling Ball Company has described their new "Chainsaw" bowling ball.
The "Chainsaw" with its all new skid/hook reactive coverstock is said to "cut down more wood faster for higher scores on drier lane conditions."
The new ball is blue/purple in color and has a skid/hook cover. The core is "endcut dooomsday-patented diamond. The ball has a hook rating of 65 out of 120 max with a backend hook of 95%.
Construction is modified 2-piece with a highly polished finish. Available weights is 12-16 pounds.
Lane # 1 can be contacted at 6739 Pickard Drive, Syracuse, NY 13211, by telephone at 1-800-526-3561 ot by e-mal at their web site, Lane # 1.
Local Scores
The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA Beverage Committee)announced recently that Steve Arndt II of Waterloo, NY was selected as the grand prize winner in the 2008 “Win the Strike Bike” promotion
Ardnt is a league bowler at Falcon Lanes, a 16 lane center in Auburn, NY. The custom-designed bowling-themed motorcycle was built by the famed Teutul family at their Orange County Chopper facility in Newburgh, NY.
Participants in the nationwide contest received a special code whenever they
purchased a 44-oz Pepsi beverage in specially-marked Strike Bike cups that were only available in BPAA-Pepsi centers. During the 45-day promotion, over 52,000 entrants logged on to http://www.gobowling.com/ and entered their number for a chance to win.
“I bought several soft drinks between September 15 and October 31, 2008,” said a still-beaming Ardnt. “But I never thought I’d be the one holding the winning number.” A soon-to-be newlywed, Steve Ardnt and his fiancee are big bowlers and huge Orange County Chopper fans. As part of the package Steve and several of his family members traveled to the headquarters of Orange County Choppers to meet up with the Teutuls who custom made the Strike Bike which was featured in a 2008 episode of their TV show, American Chopper, on the Learning Channel.
“I still can’t believe it,” Ardnt said while taking a private tour of the Newburgh, NY facility where the TV show is filmed. “I mean, I was flipped out about winning the bike and meeting the OCC guys!"
The Strike Bike was by far the largest and best received promotion that the Beverage Committee provided to centers that participate in the BPAA-Pepsi national program, and plans are already in the works for 2009’s promotion.
Lane # 1 Offers
The "Chainsaw"
High performance on drier lanes at a more affordable price is how the Lane # 1 Bowling Ball Company has described their new "Chainsaw" bowling ball.
The "Chainsaw" with its all new skid/hook reactive coverstock is said to "cut down more wood faster for higher scores on drier lane conditions."
The new ball is blue/purple in color and has a skid/hook cover. The core is "endcut dooomsday-patented diamond. The ball has a hook rating of 65 out of 120 max with a backend hook of 95%.
Construction is modified 2-piece with a highly polished finish. Available weights is 12-16 pounds.
Lane # 1 can be contacted at 6739 Pickard Drive, Syracuse, NY 13211, by telephone at 1-800-526-3561 ot by e-mal at their web site, Lane # 1.
Local Scores
Callicoon Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 182 by Susan Heinicle, Lil Zieres 185, 519 and Judy Mohn 189.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Mark Hawley scored a 209, 204, Mark Schriber 209, Mike Hubbard 216, Jon Wayne 210, Damien Vanluven 204, Mark Herbert 224 and Steve Lagoda 205, 214, 616.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Damien Vanleuven scored a 211, 604, Erik Burton 203, Shaun Vandevelde 202, Dave Maus 201, Roger Widmann 220, Kory Keesler 247, 625 and Laresko Niifa 204.
Kiamesha Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 203, 234, 627 by Nate Sanders, Willy Bartley 255, 225, 661, David Graham 235, 204, 249, 688, Chuck McAllister 242, 215, 630, Lloyd Bridges 225, Keith Smith 235, 246, 229, 710, Francisco Martinez 210, Mike Mason 234, 202, 211, 647, John Fischer 243, 216, 643, Art Stevens 203, George Budd 218, 257, 225, 700, Kevin Stackhouse 211, Mike Mulligan 218, Roy Sweeney 232, Mike Weiner 228, 221, 644, Jim VanAken 234, 614, Jason Jones 200, 212, 215, 627, John Hoffmann 246, 237, 248, 731, Rudy Belanchia 201, 203, Pete Mitro 247, 622, Jo Jo VanKeuren 278, 237, 707, Rich Levine 200, 211, Mike Cardo 224, Jim Frost 212, 205, 245, 662, Tim Bilyeu 225, 214, 204, 643, Robert Hamilton 225, 255, 248, 728, Donald Durland 214, 254, 632, Paul Durland 200, Jaryl Scott 255, 233, 200, 688, Mark Wegener 248, 243, 685, Bobby Cooper 211, Al Caycho 223, Rob Sze 203, Angel Rodriguez 257, 220, 214, 691, Frank Scuderi 214, Eddie Lake 247, 236, 669, Rick Lake 227, Billy Curry Jr. 231, Paul Curry 217 and Allen Jones 210.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Cara Nicholson scored a 198, 185, 534, Vinnie Collura 228, 213, 608, Neil Bell Jr. 211, Matt Cooper 202, Ed Guthrie 219, 217, 204, 640, John Cascone 225, Cecil Walters 205, Mary Lee Williams 190, 183, 541, Dorian Jennings 227, 216, 602, Dan Allen 211, Peter Scannell 220, Jack Rustic 256, 235, 680, Mike Friedman 201, Russ Keesler 226, 217, 246, 689, Crystal Price 223, 556, Stan Gilmore 216, 211, 626, Larry Berens 228, 223, 609, Roy Karpp 204, 210, Tom Cooney 222, Debbie Durland 215, 256, 662, Kevin Stackhouse 215, 200, Roberta Yakin 223, 195, 586, John Fischer 228, 233, 255, 716, John Hoffmann 213, 214, 243, 670, Chet Smith 201, Dale Sonnenschein 237, Barbara Yeomans 181, 184, 505, Linda Schaefer 182, Cliff Starr 210, April Aldrich 180, 526 and A. C. Patel 236.
In the Wednesday Men's league Matthew Fallon scored a 226, 225, 202, 653, Shane Conner 255, 215, 652, Richard Bradford 228, 237, 658, Jon Wilheim 200, 225, 612, Gregory Fallen 225, 244, 646, Steven Rivera 203, Russ Keesler 217, 224, 635, A. C. Patel 245, Tim McIntyre 215, Rick Lara 267, 246, 222, 735, Josh Strang 218, Charles McAllister 212, 230, 611, George Battle 213, Allan Jones 202, 202, 200, 604, Dean Shattuck 204, 224, 236, 664, Paul Durland 226, Art Eggleton 236, 614, John Hoffmann 210, 224, 289, 723, Vinnie Collura 227, 216, 218, 661, Al Caycho 216, 212, 622, Mike Weiner 206, 201, Tim Minton 210, 226, 202, 638, Eddie Lake 208 and Chris Magie 202.
Fox Bowling Center
Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league includes a 257, 203, 628 by Nikki Andriano, Kathleen Stanton 244, 569, Jennifer Raymond 188, 517, Linda Ferris 211, 500 and Sally Zegers 180.
In the Wednesday Men's league Howard Couse scored a 268, 203, 280, 751, Brian Tiffany 245, 238, 670, Robert Johnson 236, 236, 663, Mitch Persbacker 237, 211, 213, 661, Lee Stanton 237, 211, 205, 653, David Thomason 222, 244, 653, Thomas Anderson 213, 233, 203, 649, Shawn Tracy 245, 223, 642, Paul Ignatovich 212, 202, 215, 629, Ryan Kille 209, 211, 603, John Gurnick 236, 601, Hank Whitmore 221, Josh Rice 222, Arthur Gately 230 and Neil Mosher 246.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit league Jeff Curtis scored a 265, 236, 246, 747, Andrew Bullis 238, 241, 678, Paul Ignatovich 267, 235, 665, Bill Gleim 225, 224, 648, Robert Johnson 200, 246, 631, Dale Conklin 206, 236, 628, Carl Davis 222, 605, Rick Mills 204, 204, 605, Don Ferris 228, 206, 603, Al Bullis Jr. 245, 602, Neil Mosher 224, John Gurnick 255, Jim Valentine 234 and Harold Morgan 220.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league James Dibble scored a 268, 288, 748, Rick Mills 223, 611, Greg Keesler 232, Paul Fritz 210, Howard Couse 215, Brian Tiffany 213, Mike Horton 220, Anne Couse 205, 180, 555, Hope Jones 184, 203, 539 and Sandy Winans 190.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Dave Mills scored a 265, 200, 660, Don Marino 238, 216, 635, Ray Cornwell 236, 614, Rick Mills 222 ad Julie Cornwell 184.
This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Hortonville Ladies league include a 182 by Susan Heinicle, Lil Zieres 185, 519 and Judy Mohn 189.
In the Tuesday Delaware Valley Men's league Mark Hawley scored a 209, 204, Mark Schriber 209, Mike Hubbard 216, Jon Wayne 210, Damien Vanluven 204, Mark Herbert 224 and Steve Lagoda 205, 214, 616.
In the Wednesday Mixed Businessmen league Damien Vanleuven scored a 211, 604, Erik Burton 203, Shaun Vandevelde 202, Dave Maus 201, Roger Widmann 220, Kory Keesler 247, 625 and Laresko Niifa 204.
Kiamesha Lanes
Recent highlight scores in the Monday Men's league include a 203, 234, 627 by Nate Sanders, Willy Bartley 255, 225, 661, David Graham 235, 204, 249, 688, Chuck McAllister 242, 215, 630, Lloyd Bridges 225, Keith Smith 235, 246, 229, 710, Francisco Martinez 210, Mike Mason 234, 202, 211, 647, John Fischer 243, 216, 643, Art Stevens 203, George Budd 218, 257, 225, 700, Kevin Stackhouse 211, Mike Mulligan 218, Roy Sweeney 232, Mike Weiner 228, 221, 644, Jim VanAken 234, 614, Jason Jones 200, 212, 215, 627, John Hoffmann 246, 237, 248, 731, Rudy Belanchia 201, 203, Pete Mitro 247, 622, Jo Jo VanKeuren 278, 237, 707, Rich Levine 200, 211, Mike Cardo 224, Jim Frost 212, 205, 245, 662, Tim Bilyeu 225, 214, 204, 643, Robert Hamilton 225, 255, 248, 728, Donald Durland 214, 254, 632, Paul Durland 200, Jaryl Scott 255, 233, 200, 688, Mark Wegener 248, 243, 685, Bobby Cooper 211, Al Caycho 223, Rob Sze 203, Angel Rodriguez 257, 220, 214, 691, Frank Scuderi 214, Eddie Lake 247, 236, 669, Rick Lake 227, Billy Curry Jr. 231, Paul Curry 217 and Allen Jones 210.
In the Tuesday Mixed Firefighters league Cara Nicholson scored a 198, 185, 534, Vinnie Collura 228, 213, 608, Neil Bell Jr. 211, Matt Cooper 202, Ed Guthrie 219, 217, 204, 640, John Cascone 225, Cecil Walters 205, Mary Lee Williams 190, 183, 541, Dorian Jennings 227, 216, 602, Dan Allen 211, Peter Scannell 220, Jack Rustic 256, 235, 680, Mike Friedman 201, Russ Keesler 226, 217, 246, 689, Crystal Price 223, 556, Stan Gilmore 216, 211, 626, Larry Berens 228, 223, 609, Roy Karpp 204, 210, Tom Cooney 222, Debbie Durland 215, 256, 662, Kevin Stackhouse 215, 200, Roberta Yakin 223, 195, 586, John Fischer 228, 233, 255, 716, John Hoffmann 213, 214, 243, 670, Chet Smith 201, Dale Sonnenschein 237, Barbara Yeomans 181, 184, 505, Linda Schaefer 182, Cliff Starr 210, April Aldrich 180, 526 and A. C. Patel 236.
In the Wednesday Men's league Matthew Fallon scored a 226, 225, 202, 653, Shane Conner 255, 215, 652, Richard Bradford 228, 237, 658, Jon Wilheim 200, 225, 612, Gregory Fallen 225, 244, 646, Steven Rivera 203, Russ Keesler 217, 224, 635, A. C. Patel 245, Tim McIntyre 215, Rick Lara 267, 246, 222, 735, Josh Strang 218, Charles McAllister 212, 230, 611, George Battle 213, Allan Jones 202, 202, 200, 604, Dean Shattuck 204, 224, 236, 664, Paul Durland 226, Art Eggleton 236, 614, John Hoffmann 210, 224, 289, 723, Vinnie Collura 227, 216, 218, 661, Al Caycho 216, 212, 622, Mike Weiner 206, 201, Tim Minton 210, 226, 202, 638, Eddie Lake 208 and Chris Magie 202.
Fox Bowling Center
Recent highlight scores in the Tuesday Ladies Early Birds league includes a 257, 203, 628 by Nikki Andriano, Kathleen Stanton 244, 569, Jennifer Raymond 188, 517, Linda Ferris 211, 500 and Sally Zegers 180.
In the Wednesday Men's league Howard Couse scored a 268, 203, 280, 751, Brian Tiffany 245, 238, 670, Robert Johnson 236, 236, 663, Mitch Persbacker 237, 211, 213, 661, Lee Stanton 237, 211, 205, 653, David Thomason 222, 244, 653, Thomas Anderson 213, 233, 203, 649, Shawn Tracy 245, 223, 642, Paul Ignatovich 212, 202, 215, 629, Ryan Kille 209, 211, 603, John Gurnick 236, 601, Hank Whitmore 221, Josh Rice 222, Arthur Gately 230 and Neil Mosher 246.
In the Thursday Men's Deposit league Jeff Curtis scored a 265, 236, 246, 747, Andrew Bullis 238, 241, 678, Paul Ignatovich 267, 235, 665, Bill Gleim 225, 224, 648, Robert Johnson 200, 246, 631, Dale Conklin 206, 236, 628, Carl Davis 222, 605, Rick Mills 204, 204, 605, Don Ferris 228, 206, 603, Al Bullis Jr. 245, 602, Neil Mosher 224, John Gurnick 255, Jim Valentine 234 and Harold Morgan 220.
In the Friday Mixed Couples league James Dibble scored a 268, 288, 748, Rick Mills 223, 611, Greg Keesler 232, Paul Fritz 210, Howard Couse 215, Brian Tiffany 213, Mike Horton 220, Anne Couse 205, 180, 555, Hope Jones 184, 203, 539 and Sandy Winans 190.
In the Sunday Afternoon Mixed Fun league Dave Mills scored a 265, 200, 660, Don Marino 238, 216, 635, Ray Cornwell 236, 614, Rick Mills 222 ad Julie Cornwell 184.
This column is written by Ed Townsend, who is a consultant to the professional sport of bowling. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Tri-County NY United States Bowling Congress (USBC) where he serves as Publicity Director. If you have a topic that you believe would make good reading or have league scores or tournament information, Ed can be reached at 845-439-8177 or by sending an e-mail to bowlgolfect1@yahoo.com For a much more expanded version of our bowling column visit our Web site at http://bght.blogspot.com/
RECORD TURNOUT EXPECTED FOR 2009 USBC OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
The final numbers are in, and more than 17,000 teams will head to Las Vegas for the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, making it the second-largest tournament in the event's 106-year history.
With 17,200 teams, the 2009 event will just miss the all-time high of 17,285 teams, set when the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., opened its doors in 1995, but will easily eclipse the non-Reno record of 13,222 teams, which was set at the 2005 event in Baton Rouge, La., the tournament's first visit to Louisiana.
The 2009 USBC Open Championships will begin Feb. 21 and run for a record 154 consecutive days before concluding on July 24. During that time, more than 85,000 bowlers will make the journey to Las Vegas to compete for more than $7 million in prize money. Competition will run from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.
The event, which has been held in 48 cities in 26 states, will make its first trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World since 1986 when it featured more than 10,000 teams for the first time (10,019). It again will be held at Las Vegas' Cashman Center and feature 60 lanes for the first time outside of the National Bowling Stadium, where the tournament has been held every third year since 1995.
Just like Las Vegas, the Open Championships has changed and grown in the last 23 years, and the tournament will unveil brand new state-of-the-art video scoreboards in 2009. It will be the first upgrade of its kind since the introduction of automatic scoring at the 1979 event in Tampa, Fla.
"Certainly, the entry numbers speak well for the event as well as the location," said Jack Mordini, USBC Vice President of Tournaments and Events. "Taking the tournament to the entertainment-rich environment in Las Vegas has shown the popularity of the Open Championships and the strong draw that is Las Vegas."
Construction on the one-of-a-kind tournament venue began on Dec. 15 and is expected to conclude on Feb. 1. The amount of lumber used is enough to construct at least five three-bedroom homes, and more than six miles of wiring also is required to handle the tournament's electrical needs.
Bowling fans now have the opportunity to watch the transformation of the venue from an empty convention center to bowling's grandest stage with five interactive cameras placed throughout Cashman Center. The cameras can be accessed through USBCopen.com and will be available throughout the Open Championships so families, fans and friends can keep an eye on the action.
For more information on the 2009 Open Championships, visit USBCopen.com.
The final numbers are in, and more than 17,000 teams will head to Las Vegas for the 2009 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships, making it the second-largest tournament in the event's 106-year history.
With 17,200 teams, the 2009 event will just miss the all-time high of 17,285 teams, set when the National Bowling Stadium in Reno, Nev., opened its doors in 1995, but will easily eclipse the non-Reno record of 13,222 teams, which was set at the 2005 event in Baton Rouge, La., the tournament's first visit to Louisiana.
The 2009 USBC Open Championships will begin Feb. 21 and run for a record 154 consecutive days before concluding on July 24. During that time, more than 85,000 bowlers will make the journey to Las Vegas to compete for more than $7 million in prize money. Competition will run from 7 a.m. until 2 a.m. daily.
The event, which has been held in 48 cities in 26 states, will make its first trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World since 1986 when it featured more than 10,000 teams for the first time (10,019). It again will be held at Las Vegas' Cashman Center and feature 60 lanes for the first time outside of the National Bowling Stadium, where the tournament has been held every third year since 1995.
Just like Las Vegas, the Open Championships has changed and grown in the last 23 years, and the tournament will unveil brand new state-of-the-art video scoreboards in 2009. It will be the first upgrade of its kind since the introduction of automatic scoring at the 1979 event in Tampa, Fla.
"Certainly, the entry numbers speak well for the event as well as the location," said Jack Mordini, USBC Vice President of Tournaments and Events. "Taking the tournament to the entertainment-rich environment in Las Vegas has shown the popularity of the Open Championships and the strong draw that is Las Vegas."
Construction on the one-of-a-kind tournament venue began on Dec. 15 and is expected to conclude on Feb. 1. The amount of lumber used is enough to construct at least five three-bedroom homes, and more than six miles of wiring also is required to handle the tournament's electrical needs.
Bowling fans now have the opportunity to watch the transformation of the venue from an empty convention center to bowling's grandest stage with five interactive cameras placed throughout Cashman Center. The cameras can be accessed through USBCopen.com and will be available throughout the Open Championships so families, fans and friends can keep an eye on the action.
For more information on the 2009 Open Championships, visit USBCopen.com.
PBA and OnTheBallBowling.com Team Up to Commemorate
50th Anniversary of PBA Tour
Limited edition bowling balls honor 50 Greatest Players in PBA History
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour, OnTheBallBowling.com and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) have teamed-up to create a limited edition series of bowling balls featuring the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History.
OnTheBallBowling.com is the first company dedicated to creating customizable bowling products, including bowling balls and pins. With the limited edition series of the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History, each ball in the collection will feature one of the 50 Greatest Players on one side of the bowling ball and the PBA 50th Anniversary logo on the other side. Production is limited to 50 balls of each player. Each ball will be individually numbered and will come with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the bowler or a representative of his estate. The first edition of each ball will be given to that specific player at the 50th Anniversary Gala taking place, Jan. 24 at Red Rock Resort, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.
The cost of each bowling ball is $180. Bowling fans can purchase the commemorative bowling balls through www.ontheballbowling.com. A 15% discount will be offered with the promotion code “PBA.”
The PBA is also working with OnTheBallBowling.com to create an affiliate website where fans will be able to purchase customized bowling balls, including ones created from Pro-Am pictures taken at PBA events. More information regarding the affiliate website will be released at a later date.
About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, Denny’s, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.
About OnTheBallBowling.com
OnTheBallBowling.com provides bowlers with the unique ability to create and design their own “one-of-a-kind” bowling ball or bowling pin. OnTheBallBowling.com’s easy to use “Design Wizard” allows customers to upload a photograph for placement on a bowling ball or pin and also allows them to personalize the products as well. Customers can design their own bowling ball or pin or choose from hundreds of predesigned themed and licensed templates
OnTheBallBowling.com, LLC is the only company in the bowling industry with the ability to process full color digitalized photo images “on demand” individually or in quantity, onto bowling balls and pins. OnTheBallBowling.com, LLC , a Strikeforce Bowling LLC Affiliate Company, is a privately held company headquartered in Broadview Ill. For additional information on OnTheBallBowling.com, or the products they offer visit www.OnTheBallBowling.com or call 1-866-OTB-BOWL (866-682-2695).
50th Anniversary of PBA Tour
Limited edition bowling balls honor 50 Greatest Players in PBA History
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour, OnTheBallBowling.com and the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) have teamed-up to create a limited edition series of bowling balls featuring the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History.
OnTheBallBowling.com is the first company dedicated to creating customizable bowling products, including bowling balls and pins. With the limited edition series of the 50 Greatest Players in PBA History, each ball in the collection will feature one of the 50 Greatest Players on one side of the bowling ball and the PBA 50th Anniversary logo on the other side. Production is limited to 50 balls of each player. Each ball will be individually numbered and will come with a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the bowler or a representative of his estate. The first edition of each ball will be given to that specific player at the 50th Anniversary Gala taking place, Jan. 24 at Red Rock Resort, Casino and Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.
The cost of each bowling ball is $180. Bowling fans can purchase the commemorative bowling balls through www.ontheballbowling.com. A 15% discount will be offered with the promotion code “PBA.”
The PBA is also working with OnTheBallBowling.com to create an affiliate website where fans will be able to purchase customized bowling balls, including ones created from Pro-Am pictures taken at PBA events. More information regarding the affiliate website will be released at a later date.
About the PBA
The Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) features the best bowlers in the world competing in National, Regional and Senior Tour events. The organization has more than 4,000 members spanning 13 countries, and nearly one million viewers tune-in to watch the Lumber Liquidators PBA Tour every Sunday on ESPN throughout the season. PBA sponsors include Bayer, Brunswick, CLR, Denny’s, Etonic, Flomax, GEICO, Go RVing, H&R Block, Lumber Liquidators, Motel 6, Pepsi-Cola and the USBC, among others. For more information on the PBA, log on to www.pba.com.
About OnTheBallBowling.com
OnTheBallBowling.com provides bowlers with the unique ability to create and design their own “one-of-a-kind” bowling ball or bowling pin. OnTheBallBowling.com’s easy to use “Design Wizard” allows customers to upload a photograph for placement on a bowling ball or pin and also allows them to personalize the products as well. Customers can design their own bowling ball or pin or choose from hundreds of predesigned themed and licensed templates
OnTheBallBowling.com, LLC is the only company in the bowling industry with the ability to process full color digitalized photo images “on demand” individually or in quantity, onto bowling balls and pins. OnTheBallBowling.com, LLC , a Strikeforce Bowling LLC Affiliate Company, is a privately held company headquartered in Broadview Ill. For additional information on OnTheBallBowling.com, or the products they offer visit www.OnTheBallBowling.com or call 1-866-OTB-BOWL (866-682-2695).
Here & There Column 12-30-08
County Legislature Doesn't Listen To Criticism
Sullivan County taxpayers be damned as seven out of nine Sullivan County legislators sent a distasteful New Year's message that they really don't care what county residents say.
Comments from those who pay the bill were indeed a mandate for legislators to not pass the budget but despite a statement from District 1 Legislator David Sager that the public had spoken out against adopting the $192 million 2009 budget, it was passed 7-2 on December 18.
The notable backlash against pay increases for non-union county employees just did not have any impact on legislators and County Manager David Fanslau's plans.
Republican Alan Sorenson was the only other legislator to join Sager in voting no on the budget which includes a cut in services, a 7 percent tax hike and the raises for many managers and county department heads.
Taxpayers and written opposition had clearly noted the difficult economy everyone is facing and that this was not the time for these salary and tax increases.
Taxpayers should remember very well the seven legislators who have thrown the public criticism back into the public's face....they are Democrat Ron Hiatt, Republican Leni Binder, Democrat Johathan Rouis, Democrat Kathy LaBuda, Republican Jody Goodman, Democrat Frank Armstrong and Democrat Elwyn Wood.......mark it down on your political calendar and vote your opinion at the polls the next time these folks run for re-election.
We concur with many of the sentiments made during the discussion on this budget but the general overall economic picture both here in Sullivan County and throughout our nation says very firmly that this is not the time for a tax increase and double-digit percentage raises to some of the county's highest paid managers.
Our hard-working folks in this county just cannot afford what has not been thrown down their throat by the county manager and seven county legislators who don't seem to care about the dropping revenue in the county and the fact that unemployment is on the rise.
Happy New Year Sullivan County taxpayers.....remember to send a thank you card to the seven county legislators for their New Year's gift to you.
Sullivan County taxpayers be damned as seven out of nine Sullivan County legislators sent a distasteful New Year's message that they really don't care what county residents say.
Comments from those who pay the bill were indeed a mandate for legislators to not pass the budget but despite a statement from District 1 Legislator David Sager that the public had spoken out against adopting the $192 million 2009 budget, it was passed 7-2 on December 18.
The notable backlash against pay increases for non-union county employees just did not have any impact on legislators and County Manager David Fanslau's plans.
Republican Alan Sorenson was the only other legislator to join Sager in voting no on the budget which includes a cut in services, a 7 percent tax hike and the raises for many managers and county department heads.
Taxpayers and written opposition had clearly noted the difficult economy everyone is facing and that this was not the time for these salary and tax increases.
Taxpayers should remember very well the seven legislators who have thrown the public criticism back into the public's face....they are Democrat Ron Hiatt, Republican Leni Binder, Democrat Johathan Rouis, Democrat Kathy LaBuda, Republican Jody Goodman, Democrat Frank Armstrong and Democrat Elwyn Wood.......mark it down on your political calendar and vote your opinion at the polls the next time these folks run for re-election.
We concur with many of the sentiments made during the discussion on this budget but the general overall economic picture both here in Sullivan County and throughout our nation says very firmly that this is not the time for a tax increase and double-digit percentage raises to some of the county's highest paid managers.
Our hard-working folks in this county just cannot afford what has not been thrown down their throat by the county manager and seven county legislators who don't seem to care about the dropping revenue in the county and the fact that unemployment is on the rise.
Happy New Year Sullivan County taxpayers.....remember to send a thank you card to the seven county legislators for their New Year's gift to you.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Bowling Highlights Column 12-26-08
Seven-year-old Dylan Russo, center, joins Bowling Highlights Columnist Ed Townsend, left, of Livingston Manor and his grandson, Rodney "Taylor" Jester, right, of Neversink, at the Cheektowaga Pro-Am Tournament.
PBA Professional Walter Ray Williams Jr. with seven=year-old Dylan Russo at the Cheektowaga Pro-Am Tournament. 
Jason Belmonte Seven-Year-Old Bowler Perfecting 2-Handed Bowling
Seven-year-old Dylan Russo is following in the footsteps of Australian bowling sensation Jason Belmonte (Orange, New South Wales).
We met Dylan while bowling in the Cheetah Pro-Am Championship several weeks ago at the AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY and Dylan became the fan favorite in our group of eight bowlers.
My grandson, Rodney "Taylor" Jester, 13, an eight-grade student at the Tri-Valley Central High School was also bowling in our group and was amazed at the accuracy this seven-year-old displayed. Taylor bowls regularly in a Saturday afternoon Teenage league at Liberty Lanes.
Dylan is in the second grade and has been bowling four years.
His parents, Brian and Erin Russo, of Grand Island, NY said that Dyland started bowling this way because the weight of the bowling ball was too heavy and he decided to stay with the two-handed bowling style.
Professional Bowling Association Pro Walter Ray Williams also bowled in our group and noted that Dyland is doing a fine job with this style of bowling. Walter Ray is known from time to time to fool around with the two-handed style of bowling and felt that "Dylan is better at it then I'm."
This pro-am tournament is the third for Dylan who also has a brother, Evan, 3, who also bowls but uses the standard one-handed method.
Dylan and the Russo family are able to get in a lot of bowling as members of the Russo family own the Manor Lanes in Tonawanda and the Manor Lanes II in Amherst.
Australian amateur bowling sensation Jason Belmonte was granted a commissioners exemption and bowled in the PBA Cheetah Championship at Cheektowaga but was eliminated in the round of 64.
Young Russo presently averages 78 and bowled a 153, 123, 174 for a 450 series in this No-tap format tournament.
Belmonte, famous for his unorthodox two-handed style remarked, "to be awarded these exemptions makes me feel very honored. The opportunity the PBA has given me is something I will take with both hands (excuse the pun). The PBA is the greatest bowling tour in the world, it's where I want to be. This is just a small chance I get to prove to myself that it's where I belong as a bowler."
Belmonte was granted a Commissioners Exemption into the tournaments. “Jason’s unique abilities and transcendent personality justify thissomewhat unusual action,” said PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer. “Bowling fans worldwide are eager to see how he will measure up onbowling’s biggest stage against the greatest bowlers in the world.”
The 25-year-old Belmonte has enjoyed success on stateside lanes: he ledqualifying at the PBA World Championship by 240 pins after 27 games inOctober 2008 where he went on to finish 10th.
Internationally, Belmonte has made a name for himself with wins on boththe European and Asian Bowling Tours. In 2006 he became the firstnon-European to lead the EBT rankings midway through the season and he isthe first bowler to have qualified for the World Ranking Masters in twoseparate zones (Europe and Asia) finishing seventh in both. He was alsonamed the 2007 World Bowling Writers Bowler of the Year.
Seven-year-old Dylan Russo is following in the footsteps of Australian bowling sensation Jason Belmonte (Orange, New South Wales).
We met Dylan while bowling in the Cheetah Pro-Am Championship several weeks ago at the AMF Thruway Lanes in Cheektowaga, NY and Dylan became the fan favorite in our group of eight bowlers.
My grandson, Rodney "Taylor" Jester, 13, an eight-grade student at the Tri-Valley Central High School was also bowling in our group and was amazed at the accuracy this seven-year-old displayed. Taylor bowls regularly in a Saturday afternoon Teenage league at Liberty Lanes.
Dylan is in the second grade and has been bowling four years.
His parents, Brian and Erin Russo, of Grand Island, NY said that Dyland started bowling this way because the weight of the bowling ball was too heavy and he decided to stay with the two-handed bowling style.
Professional Bowling Association Pro Walter Ray Williams also bowled in our group and noted that Dyland is doing a fine job with this style of bowling. Walter Ray is known from time to time to fool around with the two-handed style of bowling and felt that "Dylan is better at it then I'm."
This pro-am tournament is the third for Dylan who also has a brother, Evan, 3, who also bowls but uses the standard one-handed method.
Dylan and the Russo family are able to get in a lot of bowling as members of the Russo family own the Manor Lanes in Tonawanda and the Manor Lanes II in Amherst.
Australian amateur bowling sensation Jason Belmonte was granted a commissioners exemption and bowled in the PBA Cheetah Championship at Cheektowaga but was eliminated in the round of 64.
Young Russo presently averages 78 and bowled a 153, 123, 174 for a 450 series in this No-tap format tournament.
Belmonte, famous for his unorthodox two-handed style remarked, "to be awarded these exemptions makes me feel very honored. The opportunity the PBA has given me is something I will take with both hands (excuse the pun). The PBA is the greatest bowling tour in the world, it's where I want to be. This is just a small chance I get to prove to myself that it's where I belong as a bowler."
Belmonte was granted a Commissioners Exemption into the tournaments. “Jason’s unique abilities and transcendent personality justify thissomewhat unusual action,” said PBA Commissioner and CEO Fred Schreyer. “Bowling fans worldwide are eager to see how he will measure up onbowling’s biggest stage against the greatest bowlers in the world.”
The 25-year-old Belmonte has enjoyed success on stateside lanes: he ledqualifying at the PBA World Championship by 240 pins after 27 games inOctober 2008 where he went on to finish 10th.
Internationally, Belmonte has made a name for himself with wins on boththe European and Asian Bowling Tours. In 2006 he became the firstnon-European to lead the EBT rankings midway through the season and he isthe first bowler to have qualified for the World Ranking Masters in twoseparate zones (Europe and Asia) finishing seventh in both. He was alsonamed the 2007 World Bowling Writers Bowler of the Year.
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