Kadry on Bowling: Time to support Bowlers to Veterans Link program

In 1942, the Bowlers to Veterans Link program was created as a commitment to our military men and women, ensuring their service would not be forgotten.

Since then, the sport of bowling has kept its word, raising more than $35 million to support active-duty military, veterans and their families.

Modesto-area bowlers can support the BVL program this week. The BVL Friendship Doubles No-Tap Tournament is Friday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. at McHenry Bowl. The first two games will be eight-pin no-tap, and the third will be nine-pin no-tap.

Doubles teams can be any combination of men and women. Entry fee is $36 per team. Entry forms are available at McHenry Bowl and Yosemite Lanes.

Locally, the BVL provides recreational and therapeutic programs and supplies to area veterans hospitals and outpatient services. ...

The deadline to nominate a bowler for the Modesto Hall of Fame is approaching. It’s time to think about those who have made an impact on local bowling over the years and deserve recognition.

To be eligible, a nominee must have been a member of a Modesto bowling association for at least 20 years, unless submitted in a posthumous category. Nominees may be submitted in either Meritorious Service or Superior Performance, for a man or woman, either living or posthumous.

Last year, Charlie Francis was honored posthumously in the Meritorious Service category and Dionne Lee Williams was inducted into the Hall in the category of Superior Performance.

Nominations for the Pioneer Award are also open. The award honors deserving bowling supporters for their longtime commitment to the sport.

To be eligible, the nominee must have supported bowling through service, sponsorship and/or participation for at least 30 years. Only 25 people have been honored since its inception more than 65 years ago. Last year, Patton Amusement was honored.

Hall of Fame and Pioneer Award nomination forms are available at McHenry or Yosemite and due Jan. 31. ...

On the way home from league night several weeks ago, Rick Francis, one of the area’s top bowlers, stopped to help a stranded driver. While out of his car, another vehicle hit him and broke his leg in 16 places. After weeks of hospitalization and rehab, he is back at home. We wish him a speedy and full recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the lanes. ...

The team of Sheri Cole, Roxanne Grubb and Jan Rupp Vigneau (2,299) took the honors in the Ladies Luncheon Sweeper at Yosemite. Lori Hedrick, Jackie Wirth and Tori Young (2,173) finished second, followed by Debbie Couch, Deanna Swickard and Cindy James (2,148). ...

The first Scratch 6-Gamer of the year is Sunday. Check-in starts at 11 a.m. and competition at noon. ...

The Mixed Kegler Trio Tournament competes at McHenry on Thursday. Trio teams can be any combination of men and women. Check-in is at 9 a.m., and scoring starts at 9:30. ...

ESPN will broadcast the PBA Challenge from the GEICO World Series of Bowling this Sunday. Competition includes the PBA50 Tour Finals, PBA Women’s Regional Finals, PBA Regional Finals and the Teen Masters Grand Championship. Action starts at noon.

This story was originally published January 13, 2015 at 6:46 PM with the headline "Kadry on Bowling: Time to support Bowlers to Veterans Link program."