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Bowling is fun
Most people have enjoyed a game of bowling at one time or another. It’s fun, it’s social, and unless you’re really competitive, it’s fairly easy.
Apparently, there are 120 million people in 90 countries in the world who do some sort of bowling. It was a game played thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt. The equipment has changed, but the enjoyment very likely remains virtually the same.
Community Care has an interesting history with bowling and the local bowling alley. It’s long been a game enjoyed by all ages, and years ago we had a fun league for seniors. The bowling alley was located at 153 Main Street. It was opened years and years ago, and I searched the County Archives online for the details but couldn’t seem to bring up the documents needed.
The bowling alley closed and Clapp & Jackson Plumbing & Heating moved in. Then it became a bar. It was in March of 2014 that Community Care rented the space to use for our Thrift Shop, moving west along Main Street from our first location, which was at 281 Main. We found that the lanes are still in the floor. A refurbishment of the façade by the building owner brought it closer to its former glory.
The owner of the building had the newspaper article from when the bowling alley was opened. The pages were mounted on a backboard, and he asked if we’d like to display them in the Thrift Shop. We jumped at the chance, and as you enter the store, you’ll see the historical plaques mounted on the wall. Locals and tourists alike enjoy looking at the words, as well as the lanes, as they shop.
Bowling for seniors didn’t end in the County with the closure of the bowling alley. When Nintendo launched its Wii game system in 2006, it was shortly afterward that Community Care set up a Wii Bowling League for seniors. It was cutting edge at the time, and CKWS TV did a clip on our launch, with seniors bowling with then-MPP Leona Dombrowsky.
The Wii bowling at Community Care continues today, and the players count among the 120 million people worldwide who enjoy bowling. And enjoy it they do! There are hoots and howls mixed in with hearty laughter as they play. We set up two “lanes” so that eight people play at the same time. Since the pandemic, we offer weekly bowling for fun instead of running it as a traditional bowling league. Seniors are welcome to join the fun. It’s easy to do even if you use a cane or walker. Wii bowling can be done seated or standing.
Call the office right away (613-476-7493) to start having fun bowling. Like I said, it’s fun, social and easy.
Debbie MacDonald Moynes is Executive Director of The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association.
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