Active Senior s
Playing in t he Alleys By: Bob M cDon n ell There are four senior bowling leagues in Loveland. For the most part, the bowlers focus on fun and comradery more than strikes and spares. Smiles, laughter, clapping and high fives prevailed as the teams gathered and faced off in friendly competition. The bowling facilities at Sweetheart Lanes in Loveland is home to senior leagues according to Diane Wacker, bowler, past-president and secretary of the Wednesday league. The coed league has members in age from 56 to 93-year-old Austin Freeman. Austin started bowling in 1949, and joined the Loveland league in 1975. He carries an impressive 153 average. Austin says he comes every week for the hugs he gets. League member Bonnie Coleman not only bowls, she is also the president of the Loveland Connection. ?I?ll be 82 in June,? Bonnie proclaimed without even being asked. Sandy Stanton likes bowling and Elvis Presley. Ten years ago, for her 60th birthday, she gave herself a present of an Elvis tattoo. She says it?s the ?young Elvis,? so she and ?The King? can grow old together. Rose Gowen does not bowl but comes to support her husband. Rose thinks Don Gowen started with the league in 1992 or 1993. ?It will be a sad day in our house when Don can?t come to the bowling alley,? Rose said. Kathy Nickelson is in her first year with the league after being away from the sport for years. She plans to sign up again next season. This term is ending and it will start again in the fall. In the last week, awards and prize money are distributed. But that does not seem to be the main emphasis of this group. They just want to have fun. 12
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