Spares and strikes: Seniors have fun in bowling league

Callie Ellis may be petite in stature but there is nothing small about her ability to bowl. The 76-year-old wields her 12-pound ball like a pro.

Ellis has been a member of the Tuesday Mixed Senior League at the Family Fun Lanes in Bangor for 11 years.

“The main thing is we just come out and have a good time,” she said.

While Stan Howard, 77, who has bowled with the league for 14 years agrees, he has other motives for spending his Tuesday mornings here.

“I do it for the exercise and to get quarters from Callie,” he said with a chuckle.

“Oh, he and I bet and he takes all my money,” said Callie with a grin, before taking her turn at the lane.

More than 45 seniors belong to this league. Each team sports three people and the minimum age to join is 50, although to be eligible for awards, a bowler must be at least 55. The cost is $5 per week.

“This is one of the best leagues in 20 years,” said Andy Meucci, owner of Family Fun Lanes. “We give them free coffee and everybody knows everybody. When newcomers come in, well, after just one week they feel at home. Unless you’re from another planet, you’ll fit in.”

Aside from being proprietor of the alley, Meucci has a personal interest in the league. His mother is one of the bowlers.

It all began 15 years ago when Herb and Betty Herbest returned to Maine after retiring from the Air Force. Herb, 70, who found his love of bowling on a military base in England, wanted to continue his hobby. With no senior league available, they decided to start one.

“In the beginning we only had eight people, two on a team,” said Herb, who also is the league secretary. “Now we have 16 to 18 teams, depending.” The league is year round but has a summer and winter session, he added. Some people go south in the winter while others play golf rather than bowl in the summer. For diehard bowlers, there is the Friday Mixed Senior League, as well. Herb is president of that one.

“About 90 percent of us are in both leagues,” he said. “And it’s nice because it’s a handicap league.” The handicap is 80 percent of the difference between a bowler’s actual score and 200.

Rocky Fratello, 78, needs little help with his game. He is no stranger to strikes as his ball flies seamlessly down the lane. He is cheered and greeted with applause and hand slapping by teammates appreciative of his score.

“I have been here at least 10 years,” he said. “I needed something to do and didn’t think I was getting out enough. Last April I had by-pass surgery, but I came back in August. Now I need exercise.”

Rose Briggs, 80, a 12-year veteran of the league, agrees.

“I do it for the exercise and the sociability,” she said. “And I’m an average bowler.”

Not so, according to Herb.

“She’s just being modest,” he said, shaking his head. “She’s one of our better ones. She’s Miss Consistent. She bowls consistently every week.”

Holding the league at Family Fun Lanes is certainly appropriate because the members all act like family and clearly are having fun.

“Oh, it’s wonderful. So many people have lost a [spouse] and this gets them out and gives them companionship and exercise,” said Betty Herbest, 71. “Come and try it.”

Not to worry if you have little upper body strength.

“There’s a ball to fit everybody,” said Betty.

If you are interested in senior bowling, call Andy Meucci at 942-6701 for more information.

Carol Higgins is communications director at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on to www.eaaa.org.