E-dition No. 972 • Thursday, October 5, 2017
Editor: Bob Johnson (bjibob@aol.com)
Roll’n Donkee Inventor Kenworthy Passes Away
Keith Kenworthy invented the Roll’n Donkee bowling ball carrier at a time when bowlers were just beginning to carry more than one ball to league, tournament and practice sessions. Bowlers accustomed to carrying their equipment on a shoulder had a new option: they could drag it behind them in a ball carrier on wheels.
On Sept. 29, Kenworthy passed away, the California Bowling News reported. He was 92.
Kenworthy’s life partner, Bert Strain, also was deeply involved with bowling. She had introduced the Donkee Tour, which conducted handicap tournaments in Southern California when tournament clubs such as the Amateur Bowlers Tour and the National Amateur Bowlers Inc. were expanding across the country.
Kenworthy invented other products for bowlers, but it was the Roll’n Donkee — made of high-impact plastic and with an extendable handle — for which he was best known. A later expansion of the product line included the Macho Mule, which could carry six to eight balls.
In recent years, the California Bowling News said, Kenworthy and Strain had been residing in a senior living community in San Dimas, Calif.
You can view a vintage commercial for the Roll’n Donkee here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R4t8-08hm8.
World Cup Not Impacted by Mexico Earthquake
The 53rd edition of the QubicaAMF World Cup is less than a month away, with Bol 300 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, preparing to welcome bowlers from around the world Nov. 4-12.
You can read more about the tournament here: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/hermosillo-set-to-welcome-stars-for-53rd-qubicaamf-world-cup/.
The epicenter of the major earthquake that struck Mexico last month was far from Hermosillo, which in the wake of the disaster has served as a distribution point for relief efforts. Residents of the Arizona cities of Phoenix and Tucson donated enough items to fill a semi-truck, and it was sent to Hermosillo, where the Governor of Sonora could direct the distribution of its contents. For more on that, click here: http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/36463485/first-truckload-of-donations-heading-to-mexico-for-earthquake-victims.
QubicaAMF to Help Raise Funds for Children’s Charity
QubicaAMF Worldwide is partnering with Give Kids The World Village to host a charity bowling contest during the upcoming IAAPA Attractions Expo in Orlando.
With a donation to Give Kids The World Village — a Central Florida-based nonprofit that provides cost-free vacations to critically ill children and their families — IAAPA attendees will have the chance to bowl a five-frame game of Monster Factory at the QubicaAMF booth (No. 606). If participants “Match the Monster” created by the BES X Bowler Entertainment System, they can win $10,000, to be split with Give Kids The World.
Rolling out big donations for Give Kids The World is nothing new for IAAPA Expo attendees. Last year, IAAPA FEC members raised more than $45,000 to help renovate Marc’s Dino Putt, the mini golf course at the Village.
Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 156,000 families from all 50 states and 76 countries since 1986. This year, it’s expected to serve 8,000 families.
“We’re thrilled, and so grateful, that QubicaAMF has created such a fun and memorable way to raise money for Give Kids The World,” said GKTW President and CEO, Pamela Landwirth. “The Match My Monster Bowling Contest is sure to be a monster hit.”
Added Pat Ciniello, Chairman of the Board of QubicaAMF Worldwide: “With different areas of expertise, our common goal is to create fun and provide a unique experience. We are excited to partner with Give Kids The World and hope this year’s attendees will have a ball while raising money for a great cause.”
IAAPA Attractions Expo attendees may visit Booth No. 606 on Tuesday, Nov. 14 through Thursday, Nov. 16 to take part in the fundraiser with QubicaAMF. The $10,000 prize is insured daily by McGowan Insurance, and underwritten by Specialty Insurance Group (SIG).
Business Briefs…
* A local realtor, Steve Hilbert, is planning to open a six-lane bowling facility in the Colorado ski resort town of Telluride. The project tentatively is called Revelation Lanes, and also would include a bar, restaurant and lounge. Hilbert said his target market is a higher-end clientele, so he plans to offer top-quality pub food, beer and cocktails. Read more here: http://www.telluridenews.com/business/article_0ef2be28-a525-11e7-b951-1b916e25d2d5.html.
* The American Amusement Machine Association has been meeting this week at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel, with the convention’s big “Gala” scheduled for this evening. Look for coverage in the November issue of BCM.
* K&L Lanes in Gowanda, N.Y., is known locally and beyond for its burgers — everything from a bacon cheeseburger to a quesadilla burger, plus a monthly special. You can read more about the center here: http://www.wgrz.com/entertainment/dining/unique-eats/unique-eats-bowling-and-burgers-at-kl-lanes/479534825. One of the unusual aspects of K&L Lanes is that it’s located below street level, underneath a supermarket (from which it procures the fresh beef for its burgers). Another below-street-level center, Fairview Lanes in Fairview Park, Ohio, is featured in the October issue of BCM… which also happens to include a feature on winning the “burger wars.” Look for it soon, packaged with the winter issue of Bowling Entertainment Center.
Other News You Can Use…
* The PBA League will return to Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine, next April, where the most fun-loving, raucous fans in bowling will help celebrate PBAL season six, closing out the ESPN portion of the inaugural Go Bowling! PBA Tour schedule with four consecutive Sunday telecasts, including the PBA League Elias Cup finals on Sunday, May 13, at 1 p.m. Eastern. More: http://www.bowlersjournal.com/pba-league-to-party-on-for-sixth-year-at-bayside-bowl/.
* Brookfield Lanes in Brookfield, Conn., will host a fundraiser on Nov. 4 to benefit the widow and three children of Sgt. Drew Carlson, who died recently in an apparent suicide. The event is being organized by the local police union in Danbury. Read more here: http://www.newstimes.com/local/article/Danbury-police-union-plans-benefit-bowling-event-12252718.php.
* The guest this week on Phantom Radio is former PBA National Tournament Director and long-time bowling writer, Johnny Campos. Topics include memories of the Firestone Tournament of Champions at Riviera Lanes in Akron, Ohio; PBA Hall of Fame induction ceremonies; tournaments at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis, and more. To listen to the interview, click here: http://www.kegel.net/phantomblog/2017/10/4/johnny-campos-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, and “Like” Bowling Center Management and Bowlers Journal International on Facebook. BJI Cyber Reports are now archived at bcmmag.com.
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