Local Bowling: Bowlers can make a difference in the lives of veterans

By Dallas Kadry

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IT'S TIME FOR the bowlers to step up again for the BVL, the Bowler to Veteran Link charity.

Next month during the city tournaments, the Modesto USBC will hold their annual BVL tournament where all proceeds are donated to the 67-year-old bowling charity for vets.

Started as the Bowlers Victory Legion in 1942, it was formed to provide services for the personnel overseas during World War II. In BVL's first efforts three medical evacuation planes and several ambulances were purchased.

Also, 400,000 decks of cards, 350,000 pocket-size books, and 75,000 fishing kits were purchased and given to the troops. The BVL continued each year to provide needed aid for our troops. After the hostilities ended the charity continued, donating funds for the rehabilitation of hospitalized and disabled veterans to the tune of $35 million. This focus continues today.

BVL grants provide arts and crafts programs, music and sports activities, televisions, reading material, board games, funded outings, and much more to boost the spirits, speed recuperation, and improve moral of our veterans. They have also stepped up for all service personnel serving abroad.

If you are set to bowl in the city tournaments, you only need to pay a side fee and your scores will also count toward the BVL tournament. If you are not planning to bowl in the city tournaments, then sign up directly to bowl in the BVL. Your dollars can make a difference in the life of our vets.

AS A REMINDER, city tournament dates for the open, women's, and youth events are the weekends of Nov. 14-15, 21-22. Senior Doubles run on Friday, Nov. 13 and 20. Entries are at both bowling centers.

Gary Baker scored his first 300 game this past Sunday in the Weekenders league. He just missed the 800 mark for series when he totaled a 799 for the set.

The October "Old Spice" Men's Trio Tournament is set for tomorrow starting at 9:30 a.m. at McHenry. The trio tournament is a no-tap event and teams are handicapped from 660. Get your team together and show up at 9 a.m. for check-in.

This Sunday, the Modesto USBC is holding a bowling clinic for beginners to advanced bowlers. This month's clinic will run at Yosemite starting at 10:30 a.m. This is a drop-in clinic and the cost is $5 per person.

TWO HALLOWEEN EVENTS are coming up this month. Yosemite will be hosting the Junior/Adult Halloween Tournament on Oct. 24. The doubles teams will be bowling three games of 9-pin no-tap. Check-in starts at 5 p.m., with bowling at 6. Costumes are welcome and participants do not need an average. Cost is $15 per team. Call 524-9161 to sign up.

At McHenry the annual Pumpkin Shoot will roll on Oct. 31. The party starts at 2 p.m. and runs until 3:30 with bowling in the dark to spooky music.

The "Roll" will include franks, cookies, punch, candy, plus a pumpkin for everyone. Prizes will be given for the best costume in seven categories. Cost is $6 per person in advance, $8 at the door. Call 571-2695 to sign-up or for more information.

EIGHT LOCAL VETS are making their way to the Military Vets Team Tournament held in Las Vegas this coming January. McHenry Bowl will be running fund-raisers over the next several months to help defray the cost of their entries, travel, and lodging.

The two teams will also bowl singles and doubles events. If you would like to make a donation or help out, please call 571-695 and ask for Susan.