E-dition No. 954 • Thursday, June 1, 2017
Editor: Bob Johnson (bjibob@aol.com)
US Bowling, Power Gamma Team Up on String Machines
A few months after purchasing Murrey International, US Bowling Corporation has become a major shareholder of Power Gamma, SRL in Poviglio, Italy.
Power Gamma is a noted electronics and manufacturing company that is bringing 24-volt technology to the bowling business.
Over the last six years, Power Gamma has been developing a state-of-the-art 24-Volt String Machine and a 24-Volt Conversion Kit for AMF 82-70 and 82-90XL machines. The company debuted both the string machine and the conversion kits at the 2016 International Bowl Expo in Las Vegas.
It has been Power Gamma’s goal to design electronically controlled 24-volt technology that would provide bowling center owners with substantial savings on their electrical expenses.
“After years of development and testing, Power Gamma has created that technology,” said David Frewing, President of US Bowling Corporation, “and we are so proud to be a part of it.”
Many centers today are being built with fewer lanes and thus do not need a full-time bowling technician, Frewing noted.
“Our string machines are now the perfect choice for these centers,” he said. “With drastically reduced power consumption and no need for a full-time service technician, US Bowling will put real dollars back into the bowling center’s bottom line.”
Frewing called the string machine “the safest pinsetting machine in the world. With only 24 volts supplied to the machines, it makes servicing them much safer.” It also positions US Bowling as a leader in green technology.
Both 24-volt systems will continue to be manufactured in Poviglio, providing US Bowling and Power Gamma two primary points of distribution for the world market.
Poviglio is located in north-central Italy in the province of Reggio Emilia.
Walls Going Up at One Daytona’s GameTime
The walls have started going up for the 35,000-sq.-ft. family entertainment center located at One Daytona, across the street from Daytona International Speedway in Florida. GameTime announced late last year that it would open an FEC along the destination’s main thoroughfare, Daytona Boulevard.
Featuring more than 60 flat-screen TVs, 100 new and retro-classic arcade games, prize machines, mini bowling, 12 full lanes of traditional bowling and other attractions — along with a full liquor bar and full-service restaurant — GameTime will serve as an ideal place to watch a race or game, host a party or special event, and enjoy a fun time with family and friends.
GameTime’s menu will feature American cuisine, including a variety of appetizers, salads, pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. The One Daytona GameTime will be the company’s ninth Florida location, and is expected to be the fifth “flagship.”
One Daytona is owned by ISC, and was founded by the France family. Its official grand opening is slated for the fourth quarter of this year, but the development and tenant announcements thus far have already made it an attractive destination. The anchor tenants, Cobb Daytona Luxury Theatres and Bass Pro Shops Outpost, are bringing in a steady stream of visitors.
And the Winner of the BCM Cover Facebook Poll Is…
John Losito will be honored with the 2017 BPAA Proprietor of the Year award later this month at International Bowl Expo in Las Vegas.
Part of the recognition for that honor is an appearance on the cover of BJI’s sister publication, Bowling Center Management. Losito is featured on the June cover of BCM, which will be distributed to all registered attendees of Bowl Expo — so bring your Sharpee to get an autograph if you happen to see Losito in the hallway at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. (We’ll also have a limited number of extra copies available at the Luby Publishing Inc. booth.)
On BCM’s Facebook page, we posted mock-ups of two covers that our art director assembled, utilizing two of the photos that emerged from a photo shoot at Losito’s Sun Valley Lanes in April. We asked our Facebook followers to vote on their favorite, and thanks in part to 25 shares, the post reached 20,467 people (as of Wednesday morning, when we officially stopped counting the votes).
Those comparing the two covers expressed a definite preference. In case you missed the post, you can view those covers here: https://www.facebook.com/Bowling-Center-Management-Magazine-150505303501/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE.
Which cover was preferred by BCM’s Facebook followers? By a margin of 88.6% to 11.4%, it was the cover on the left.
To see which cover ultimately was selected by the LPI staff, go to: https://bcmmag.com/2017/06/01/june-2017/.
For some insight as to how the decision was made, check out our response to Danielle Johnston’s Facebook post. Also be aware that the photo we did not use on the cover was utilized for lead art in the feature story about Losito inside the magazine.
Thanks to all the BCM Facebook followers who shared the post, and thanks to the 20,467 people (and counting) who took a look at it. All of us at Luby Publishing Inc. appreciate your support of bowling’s No. 1 business magazine.
More Losito: The Untold Story of the ‘First’ 900
Although many people still consider Glenn Allison’s 900 to be bowling’s first “perfect series,” the record book continues to show that that distinction belongs to Jeremy Sonnenfeld.
And John Losito was there to see it. The occasion was the annual Husker Pro-Am, an event in which members of the University of Nebraska tenpin team shoed up with local youth bowlers. The place was packed with kids and their parents.
“I actually did the lanes that day,” Losito says. “What made it really impressive is that [Sonnenfeld] shot it across three pairs — 13 and 14 through 17 and 18 — on wood lanes that had Guardian on the first 16 feet.”
Guardian was a lane finish product that many proprietors of that era — the year was 1997 — used to extend the life of their wood lanes, rather than replacing them.
“After he shot the first two 300s, he had to move to 17 and 18, which were notorious for playing tighter,” Losito says. “On his first shot on that pair, he crumbled a bucket. Then he carried a light swisher. After that he adjusted, and was in the pocket the rest of the way.”
When Sonnenfeld’s strike string had reached 30, Losito says he started charging his video camera — just in case there would be an opportunity to record bowling history.
That opportunity did come as Sonnenfeld extended his string to 33. He then was one frame and three strikes away from triple perfection.
Losito flipped the power switch on the video camera.
“It came on for like three seconds, and then it died,” he laments.
There were no iPhones in 1997, so there is no recording of the first officially recognized 900 series in bowling history. But there is a display in the Sun Valley Lanes lounge that includes a replica of Sonnenfeld’s Columbia Pulse bowling ball, as well as a pin from the rack he felled for strike No. 36.
Tenpins & More Bowlathon Expected to Raise $90,000-Plus
In New Mexico, an organization known as ARCA works to open doors for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be valued members of the community.
Since 1957, the organization has provided opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to enjoy great lives. ARCA’s comprehensive, lifelong, community-based services are funded through various resources including Medicaid Waiver, ICF-IDD, Mi-Via, State General Fund, DVR, foundations, corporations and private donors.
On Saturday, Tenpins & More in Rio Rancho, N.M., will hosts its 9th annual ARCA Bowlathon, with activities running from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A benefactor, Bob Scanlon, underwrites the event, which provides bowling for 400 people and lunch for nearly 500.
A New Mexico Mayors Challenge, organized by Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull, will kick off the day’s festivities. There also will be a silent auction, bowler pledges, “bowling for dollars” strike challenges, and colored-pin strike bowling for prizes. A number of corporate sponsors use the event as a team-building activity.
Tenpins & More’s Manager, Steve Mackie, said he expects between $90,000 and $100,000 to be raised, adding to the more than three-quarters-of-a-million dollars raised since the event’s inception.
To learn more about ARCA’s services, visit: https://www.arcaopeningdoors.org.
Bowling centers host an array of fundraisers that cumulatively raise millions of dollars for worthy charities and organizations each year. Tenpins & More’s ARCA Bowlathon is one of the largest.
National Senior Games Includes 103-Year-Old Bowler
Every National Senior Games is special, but this year’s 30th anniversary gathering in the “Magic City” will add an extra layer of pageantry and nostalgia as athletes and organizers celebrate three decades of fitness, fun and fellowship. All competitions and events are free for the public to attend.
The 2017 National Senior Games Presented by Humana will be conducted in Birmingham, Ala., from June 2-15, bringing in more than 10,500 athletes age 50 and over, along with another estimated 15,000 family members and friends.
Competition is held in five-year age divisions, with 19 medal sports that will be contested at 20 venues across the metropolitan area. The Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center will serve as the hub of activity.
The bowling competition will take place at Brunswick Zone Riverview Lanes. Click here for squad times and a participant list: http://nsga.com/bowling.
Some of the world’s best athletes over 50 will display their talents and challenge clichéd notions about aging. The elder athletes always draw special attention and admiration, and three centenarians are slated to perform during the Games. 101-year-old Julia Hawkins of Baton Rouge, La., will run the 50- and 100-meter races, while John Zilverberg will bring his 103 years of experience from Highmore, S.D., to bowl and enter field events. Zilverberg is expected to face competition in the discus event from 100-year-old “upstart” D. Paul Miller of Bloomington, Ill., who also is registered for the long jump and the 50-, 100- and 200-meter races.
“We are excited to bring the largest multi-sport championship event in the world for seniors to Birmingham,” said Marc T. Riker, CEO of the National Senior Games Association. “We can feel the excitement building in the city, and we thank the city of Birmingham and Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau for the enthusiasm to host our 30th anniversary. Amazingly, we have eight athletes who have competed in every one of the Games since 1987, and we will honor these ‘Great Eight’ as examples of the benefits to be gained from maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.”
In addition to sports action, there are several special events and attractions for participants and the public to join in. Read more about them here: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/103-year-old-to-compete-in-senior-games-at-brunswick-zone-riverview-lanes/.
An Olympic Day program will take place at 1 p.m. on June 9 in BJCC’s East Meeting Rooms A, B and C. Every June, the United States Olympic Committee encourages communities nationwide to host Olympic Day events to promote fitness and Olympic ideals. NSGA and the Birmingham area YMCA have teamed up to bring campers to the BJCC to see National Senior Games action. Two Alabama Olympic gold medalists, track speedster Willie Smith and diver Jennifer Chandler, plus Paralympic wheelchair rugby bronze medalist Bob Lujano, will host the youth visitors. Athletes and guests are welcome to observe the fun.
Since the inaugural games in St. Louis in 1987, the National Senior Games has staged 15 biennial competitions, hosted in 12 states and featuring more than 131,000 participants. A special microsite (http://NSGA.com/30anniversary) honors the 30th anniversary of the National Senior Games with features, athlete memories and fitness secrets, vintage videos and more.
A major contributor to the event’s continued success is Humana, the presenting sponsor of the National Senior Games since 2007. Humana’s active partnership at each of the Games has included staging an area in The Village with interactive displays and activities. Humana also has been promoting lifelong wellness on an ongoing basis with its Humana Game Changer program that profiles Senior Games athletes from around the country.
Business Briefs…
* Bill Diamond has purchased Bill White’s Twin Star Lanes, a 40-lane center in Kent, Ohio. The seller was Bill White, who has been an Ohio proprietor for 52 years and active in the bowling industry for more than 60 years. Diamond owns six other centers in Ohio and New York. Sandy Hansell and Associates, Inc. served as the broker in the transaction.
* The bowling-and-big-screen trend continues with the announcement that Kansas City-based B&B Theatres will bring a 12-screen theater complex, a 12-lane bowling center and a take-out restaurant to the Prairie Trail residential and commercial community in Ankeny, Iowa. Prairie Trail is replacing a farm formerly operated by Iowa State University. An opening sometime in 2018 is planned.
* After having its lease extension offer rejected, 20th Century Lanes in Boise, Idaho, will close its doors for good on June 30. A better offer was made by another bidder, who says he plans to transform the center — which opened 57 years ago — into a skating rink to be called Treasure Valley Skate. Word of the center’s closure was first revealed on its Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/20thCenturyLanes/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf.
* An even more ignominious fate awaits the Stars and Strikes bowling center in West Fargo, N.D. It will shut down today to make way for additional parking at Sheyenne Plaza, a $12 million complex that is being referred to as “West Fargo’s future downtown square,” with a mix of commercial and residential space.
* Another venerable bowling center closed on Wednesday: Eastland Lanes in Lexington, Ky., which had been in operation for 58 years. Some equipment from Eastland will be moved to its sister center, Collins’ Southland Bowl. However, much of it is for sale, including 44 pinsetters plus lane packages.
* After breaking its attendance record in February, Creative Works set another new record at its LaserTAG360 event in May. Approximately four dozen existing and soon-to-be operators from around the world traveled to Indianapolis to learn from experts. LaserTAG360 is now recognized as a pre-approved course within IAAPA’s certification program. Another LaserTAG360 event — the final for 2017 — is scheduled for Aug. 1-2, also in Indianapolis.
Other News You Can Use…
* PBA Hall of Famer Amleto Monacelli kept his focus after a split and open in the 7th frame of the championship match to win the PBA50 Northern California Classic Presented by MOTIV for his eighth career PBA50 Tour title. The 55-year-old Monacelli won his first title of the season on Wednesday by beating stepladder finals top qualifier Hugh Miller, 229-198, at Harvest Park Bowl in Brentwood, Calif. Full report: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/monacelli-wins-pba50-northern-california-classic-for-eighth-career-pba50-tour-title/.
* Tommy Jones, whose victory in the 2016 PBA Xtra Frame Greater Jonesboro Open was key to winning last year’s Xtra Frame points championship, will return to Jonesboro Bowling Center Saturday and Sunday to defend his title against a potent field of PBA Tour champions, international players and future stars of professional bowling. All of Saturday’s and Sunday’s action will be streamed live on PBA’s Xtra Frame online bowling channel. In addition to monthly and annual subscription packages, a three-day subscription is available for only $3.99 (visit xtraframe.tv to sign up). More: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/tommy-jones-to-defend-pba-xtra-frame-greater-jonesboro-open-title/.
* USBC Hall of Famer Lucy Sandelin won the 2017 USBC Senior Queens last Friday to become the third bowler in history to claim the coveted tiara three times. The 60-year-old right-hander defeated fellow hall of famer Anne Marie Duggan in the championship match at Circle Bowl in Baton Rouge, La., 193-179, to collect the top prize of $6,000. With the win, Sandelin matches fellow USBC Hall of Famers Robin Romeo and Sandra Postma as the only three-time winners at the event. Sandelin’s previous wins came in 2007 and 2013. More: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/lucy-sandelin-becomes-third-bowler-to-win-three-senior-queens-titles/.
* With three standard events in California and the first major of the year in the books, the PWBA Tour moves to the Midwest for four events, starting with the PWBA Wichita Open, June 1-3 at Northrock Lanes in Wichita, Kan. Danielle McEwan returns to Northrock as the defending champion. More: http://pwba.com/News/In-the-News/pwba-wichita-open-to-kick-off-midwest-swing-of-2017-pwba-tour.
* Marshall Holman this week returns for the second of a three-part series on Phantom Radio. To listen to the conversation, go to: https://www.kegel.net/phantomblog/2017/5/31/marshall-holman-phantom-radio.
* CONTACT: Please send business news, event information, etc. to Bob Johnson at bjibob@aol.com. For breaking business news, visit bcmmag.com or bowlersjournal.com. BJI Cyber Reports are now archived at bcmmag.com.
Bowling Center Management Online 
Leave a Reply