Midwest Blind Bowling Association
President: Fred Nickl –
111 South Dwyer
Arlington Heights, IL 60656
nick1frederick@sbcglobal.net
Thomas Lester – Secretary
19146 Ardmore
Detroit MI 48235,
(313) 864-0448
TLESTER@TALKAMERICA.net,
Membership fee = $5.00
Tournament Director: Louise Lawitzke
1805 Davis
Wyandotte MI 48192-3517
(734) 285-6118
law54@wwnet.net

Eastern Blind Bowling Association
Mike Patterson – Secretary
6603 Leeds Street
Philadelphia PA 19151
(215) 879-5608
Membership fee = $3.00

Southeastern Blind Bowling Association
Secretary: Judy Jeter
1031 Howell Drive
Vinton VA 24179,
(540) 556-3489
jjo831@cox.net
Membership fee = $6.00
Tournament Director: Sandy McDaniel
1317 Fairway Ave.
Ormond Beach, Fl. 32174
smcdano1@7-11.com

Upstate New York Association
John Shaffer – Secretary,
46 Macamley St.
Buffalo NY 14220,
(716) 822-7195
wildhenry@msn.com
Membership fee = $2.00
Tournament Director: Jim Hancharik
249 S. Pearl St.
Canandaigua NY 14424
585-394-3412

Erie Independent
Secretary: Richard Come
1184 Horstman Ct.
Erie, PA 16504
rcome@verizon.net
Tournament Director:
Penny Ohmer,
4142 Davison Ave
Erie PA 16510
814-825-1216
pennyo@VBR-Erie.org
Lake Erie Upper NY Blind Bowling Association
Secretary – Nancy Lockett
1926 Linwood Ave
Erie PA 16510

from the Editor OF BOWLING STRAIGHT AHEAD!

Happy New Year and welcome to the first issue of The Blind Bowler in the new decade! I hope that 2010 will be a wonderful year filled with lots of great bowling!

Before we can say good bye to the old year however, I need to make some acknowledgements. First of all, many thanks to Doug Weidenhaft and Dream Scene Studios for his work in the tape and cd versions of The Blind Bowler for October and the use of his studio for taping. Thanks also to Elaine Vining for her work in reading The Blind Bowler. Once again, Horizons for the Blind, out of Chicago did the Braille version of the Blind Bowler. They also did the large print version and the mailing of those versions also. Thanks for the great job that they did.

I apologize for those leagues who did not receive the Blind Bowler in a timely fashion. We made some changes in how the newsletter is mailed out, and unfortunately there were a few kinks. Hopefully we have ironed out all of those kinks and should not have the same problem with future issues. As always, the timeliest way to receive The Blind Bowler is by e-mail, so if you are not receiving The Blind Bowler by e-mail and wish to receive it that way, please contact me by e-mail at:

In December, we were saddened by the passing of former ABBA president James Benton’s mother. She was a big supporter of blind bowling, and a tribute to her appears in the news letter. Remember, if you have news and articles that you wish to share with ABBA members, please send your articles to me either by e-mail or the U.S. post office. My home address appears on the first page of this newsletter.

I know that many times where a tournament is located matters as much as how you bowl. Our family has built many vacations around tournament locations. In this issue we’ve got information on the tourist attractions in the Greensboro area. I’m sure that after you’ve read this article, you’ll be as excited about going to Greensboro as I am. --editor

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Happy New Year to all! Again, I would like to thank all those who have worked so hard to make ABBA run as smoothly as it has been. The ABBA membership should be pleased with the way the organization is operating. Please remember that if anyone has any questions regarding the status or operation of ABBA, please do not hesitate to contact one of the officers so that we may be able to answer your questions. It takes every member to make ABBA the successful organization it has become and your input is definitely welcome. Hope everyone has a great year of bowling and I’m looking forward to seeing you on the lanes for great competition! --submitted by Keith Edgerton, ABBA President

FROM THE DESK OF THE SECRETARY TREASURER
Hopefully all of you are having a great time renewing old friendships and staying out of the gutters. I take this opportunity to say, “Thanks” once again to all the wonderful Secretaries who sent their Sanction forms to the right person with the correct amount of money. To those who forgot the increase from $10 to $15, you are forgiven, we all make mistakes.

Since the Mid Year meeting, Capital Area Rail Blazers, Springfield, VA, and Onslow Bears, Jacksonville, NC have become sanctioned. We are happy to have them back with us.

Please remember: ? Nominations for the “Abe Cohen Award” & “Secretary of the Year” must be received by March 1, 2010.

• ? All acknowledgements for donations will be mailed in time for tax purposes.


• ? All bowlers expecting to bowl in the national Tournament must be sanctioned by January 15th.

Lastly, only one correction was brought to my attention: Page 4 of the average book, not listed for Wilmington Blind Bowlers, (only listing 1st initial, last name and average)

PUBLIC RELATIONS

To all American Blind Bowlers. Hope you had an enjoyable holiday season and are ready to get the second half of bowling on the way.

On January 25th, the International Hall of Fame will officially be opened in Arlington Texas and the American Blind Bowling Association will continue to be recognized as one of America's opportunities for participation by blind and visually impaired persons internationally.

We are still selling the stimulus raffle tickets. To date we have sold 114 tickets. We must sell 150 tickets to cover our promised prizes. I am sure that it goes without saying; our goal is to sell all 300 so that we can help sustain the financial status of our organization. If you have not purchased your ticket, it is waiting for you. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation in making this a success. --submitted by Wilbert Turner, Public Relations Chair

RULES INTERPRETATION AND ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE

The ABBA Rules Interpretation and Enforcement Committee (RIEC) met in Greensboro, NC on November 21, 2009. All committee members were present. Because of a problem with a league last season that did not pay prize money at the end of the season, the committee recommends that all leagues approve a prize list no later than the fifth week of bowling. Policy state L-3 requires that prizes must be distributed within 21 days after the conclusion of the bowling season, or later if the prizes are to be awarded at a banquet. The committee has the authority to request a financial report from any league to check if the league is meeting it’s obligation for paying prizes. The ABBA at any time may ask a league to provide a copy of its by-laws and rules.

The Committee Chairman received an inquiry if award applications should be sent to the ABBA Secretary-Treasurer or to their assistant. This decision may be made by the Secretary –Treasurer. However, final league average reports and gold medal forms must be sent directly to the Secretary-Treasurer.

Because of a problem this season when two bowlers claimed they earned gold medals after the winners were listed in the average book, the committee has ruled that gold medal winners will be recognized only by the gold medal applications which must be submitted no later than June 15.

Article VII, Section 6 of the by-laws now includes incorrect dates. The section must be changed to read “for budgetary purposed, the financial report shall begin on August 1st and end July 31st of the following year.

The article regarding a USABA tournament published in the October, 2009 Blind Bowler was in error. The tournament was not organized by the United States Association of Blind Athletes (USABA) and was not certified by either ABBA or USBC. If this tournament is to be certified in the future, a managing committee of at least three persons must provide proper forms for certification, mailed at least 30 days prior to the opening of the tournament.

The committee chairman will prepare an amendment to Article VI of the by-laws regarding delegates. We authorized the Secretary-Treasurer to continue with her own policy in determining who shall be recognized at the annual convention. The ABBA secretary-treasurer, at least thirty days prior to the annual convention must send to member leagues a credentials form. The league secretary must list on the form the name of the league representatives and the person designated as delegates who will attend the convention. This credentials form must be presented at the time of registration in order to receive the proper badges. Only the delegates properly registered will be allowed to vote at the annual convention. Life and associate members may register as individuals or through their respective leagues.

IT’S AWARDS TIME

The “Abe Cohen” award was created in 1974, which was a year after Mr. Cohen passed away. It honors Abe Cohen, who was ABBA’s Tournament Statistician and a member of the Board of Directors from 1951 to 1972. He served without compensation providing service to ABBA. In 1975 the first recipient of the Abe Cohen Award was Leroy Price, who was the first Secretary-Treasurer of ABBA. The award was established by the Past Presidents’ Committee and is given in recognition of outstanding leadership and service to ABBA. It may be presented at the annual May convention, but it is not awarded every year.

Please include a description of the person’s work and volunteer activities. These nominations should be sent to me at: 2735 South 61 St. Milwaukee WI 53219-4422, 414-545-4052. E-mail: kathybrock1@sbcglobal.net

A committee of five previous past presidents was appointed to review any applications; all are prior recipients of the award. Committee members are: Kathy Brockman – chair, Jim Fleming, Walter Burmeister, Ruth Christmas and George Coorey. Nominations must be submitted by March 1 to be considered. Honoring deserving individuals is one way to promote ABBA. Have a happy, healthy 2010!

ATTENTION ALL FOOTBALL FANS

The Minnesota Vikings have given the Minneapolis Blind Bowlers an official NFL picture of Adrian Peterson #28, our pro bowl running back, with Brett Favre #4, our new quarterback, in the background. We are having a raffle for this framed picture for all of you football fans. It would also make a great gift for someone you know. The money raised will go towards the 2011 ABBA national tournament in Minneapolis. The tickets are $5.00 each and the drawing will be held Saturday February 6th, 2010; the day before the Super Bowl. To enter, send your name, phone number, and $5.00, check or money order, to Janice Erkilla, 5253 42nd Avenue South Minneapolis, MN 55417. If you have any questions call Janice at 612-722-3041 --submitted by Janice Erkilla

GREENSBORO, THE GATE CITY

Greensboro is a growing and vibrant small city with nearly a quarter million inhabitants. It was settled in 1749 and was called the "Gate City" because of its historic railroads and retains the name because many major highways cross here. It is located between the mountains of North Carolina and the Atlantic Coast. It is also exactly half way between Washington D.C., to the north and Atlanta, Georgia to the south, on the eastern seaboard. Greensboro boasts the gently rolling hills of the Piedmont Triad area as well as a mild climate and a "village within a city" atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy area world-class golf, a revitalized turn-of-the-century commercial and industrial district, boutique and antique shops, and a wealth of restaurants. From Revolutionary War sites to antebellum plantations and Underground Railroad depots, this city is steeped in history, offering guests a chance to learn about the past. Step back in time and spend a few hours at the Heritage Center, which chronicles the birthplace of Civil Rights sit-ins, or enjoy a lazy day touring an area plantation such as the Mendenhall Plantation. The nearby site of the Revolutionary War battle of Guilford Courthouse is a national military park that you can’t miss. Not to mention that Greensboro is also known for its writers and was home to the famous American writer O. Henry. Today, science fiction superstar Orson Scott Card makes his home here as well as numerous other local writers. Whatever your choice: shopping, theater or history you're sure to find something in this growing North Carolina city.

Greensboro is also a symbol of resistance to oppression and a bastion of African-American culture. Quaker settlers in Greensboro established the Underground Railroad in the 1830s which led thousands to freedom. In 1960, four students from NC A&T University in Greensboro staged the first sit-in of the civil rights movement at Woolworth's downtown. Charlotte Hawkins Brown founded a school for African Americans in 1902 that eventually saw more than 1,000 graduates and is now a state historic site and museum. Today, Greensboro is home to the Greensboro Cultural Center, which contains a gallery dedicated to emerging and modern African-American art.

The Barn-Dinner Theatre, reputed to be America's oldest dinner theatre, draws guests to enjoy theater in the round while feasting on an exceptional meal. Other historical places in the area include the Old Mill of Guilford, a fully operational mill founded in 1767 that continues to make (and sell) all-natural, stone ground foods. The Carolina Model Railroaders, with its display of miniature trains navigating detailed scenery, will be of interest to kids of all ages.

Greensboro is famous for its natural beauty. Greensboro has many beautiful parks and areas for outdoor recreation. One particular park is Center City Park which is in the heart of downtown Greensboro, featuring a half-acre of lawns surrounding a spectacular fountain, a pavilion for intimate gatherings and performances, a Great Lawn for larger events and there are garden niches in which to get away from it all. The Bog Garden harnesses the natural beauty of a swampy area of Greensboro. It has been developed into a striking exhibit featuring a half-mile, elevated wooden walkway that provides easy access through the garden. Visitors can see more than 8,000 trees, shrubs, ferns, bamboo and wildflowers, and the newest addition, “Joe Christian’s Serenity Falls”. Winters in Greensboro are mild and the trees change to brilliant colors during the fall. In the spring and summer, Greensboro earns its reputation as a "city of flowers".

Visitors will be pleased to discover that shopping in Greensboro can include stops by national chains for basics, as well as independent shops and boutiques for more unique purchases. Sometimes malls and shopping centers are the most convenient options, but be sure to check out Greensboro’s downtown or historic districts to find the most unusual gifts and trinkets, art, antiques, and clothing. Greensboro boasts a fairly large indoor mall. The Four Seasons Town Centre has the best in shopping, entertainment and dining! Visitors will find Build-A-Bear Workshop, Belk, Hollister, J.C. Penney, Dillard’s and more. Dining options include Ruby Tuesday, Bonefish Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Mr. Dunderbak’s and The Pavilion Food Court. Greensboro also has a fairly large outdoor mall. At Friendly Center visitors can enjoy the convenience, variety and selection in a beautiful, outdoor shopping village featuring; Belk, Macy’s, Sears, Old Navy, The Grande Cinemas, The Extra Ingredient, Harper’s Restaurant, The Muse, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and more.

With the abundance of shopping, dining, historical places, natural sights and sports teams to see you won't be bored between bowling! There are so many other places we could have talked about and this is just the tip of the iceberg. So come to Greensboro in May and see for yourself.

TOURNAMENT TRANSPORTATION

This year we are fortunate to have a contract with Carolina American Tours for the transportation to and from the bowling alley from the hotel. We will make sure that at least one coach is wheelchair accessible so that all bowlers and guests can get to and from the bowling alley with no problems. For transportation around the city to visit the many attractions the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department has lent us a few vehicles to use and one is wheelchair accessible. If you are arriving in Greensboro via the train or greyhound bus we will have volunteers available to pick you up and take you to the hotel at little or no cost to you. Please contact Michael Jackson via e-mail jackson55@triad.rr.com or phone at (336) 316-1200 to request a volunteer to pick you up.

Starting January 2, 2010 all bowling centers will be non-smoking due to North Carolina state law. If you want to smoke during the tournament you will have to step just outside the bowling centers doors to do so. Please visit our website www.gatecityblindbowlers.org for updates and more information!

BLIND BOWLER NEWS

At the mid-year meeting, it was decided that we would publish a fourth issue of The Blind Bowler. While it will be prepared and published by the editor, it will be different from a regular issue of The Blind Bowler in a couple of different ways. It will be sent out on July 15th and it will only contain results from the past season’s ABBA sanctioned tournaments. Secondly, because of the cost involved in other mediums, this issue will be available by e-mail only.

So, what does this mean to you? If you are currently receiving The Blind Bowler by e-mail, you don’t need to do a thing. This issue will show up in your inbox on July 15th. If you are not receiving the newsletter by e-mail and you have an e-mail account, if you let me know, I will add your address to my data base and you will be able to receive the special edition. If you are a tournament director, please send all of your tournament results to me at blindbowler@gmail.com as soon as you get them. That way you don’t need to remember to send it, and I can save the information on my computer for that edition. There will be another reminder about this in the last newsletter of the season in April.

Our Treasured Memories

It is with incredible sadness that I report to you that Ms. Mary Alice Benton moved peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Sunday, December 20th at 6:53 p.m. As you all know, mom has been battling incurable, inoperable, and extremely aggressive uterine cancer since February of this year. She fought very hard and always felt that in the long run, she would be able to overcome this foe. During her last 6 weeks, she made it clear to her medical team that she did not want her children to know the true depth of her illness. She also made it very clear that she wanted her son and four daughters to carry forward as a family and a team and provide blanket support to her grandkids, great-grandkids, family members and friends.

Understanding these tasks, we as a family came to grips with the inevitable during the Thanksgiving holidays. Mom had a joyous Thanksgiving Day and was able to participate in the celebration of my oldest sister Annette’s 50th birthday. This is the way she liked it – family close at hand and everyone having fun. Prior to her spiritual uplifting on Sunday, mom was surrounded with a houseful of family and friends. Due to a significant storm which paralyzed the Mid-Atlantic States, our family from Raleigh was delayed in leaving for Cleveland. We were in Ripley, West Virginia when mom was summoned forward.

Over the years Mamma B as she became known throughout the Outlaw organization took many trips to Raleigh. She attended bowling tournaments, special conferences, and always was on the scene when a large party was being planned. Her last visit to Raleigh was in April of 2008 when she and my entire family showed up totally by surprise to celebrate my 50th birthday. Mamma B. was a strong Christian woman, an incredible mom, grandma and great-grandma. She is survived by her son James; four daughters Annette, Machelle, Faye and Jackie; 11 grandkids including James Jr. and Sharon Renee’; and 7 great grandchildren including Knowledge, Azariah and Isaiah Dowd of Raleigh. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Luther Benton in April 1983; her mother Rethel Tatum Jones, April 1980; her sister Lois Jeter, May 1994; and her father Clayton Tatum, December 1971.

Funeral services were held Saturday morning, December 26th at the Imani Temple Baptist Church , 1855 Ansel Road , Cleveland OH 44106. She was interred at Hillcrest Cemetery. Those wishing to do so may send donations in care of Denise Benton, 6808 Forman St. , Cleveland OH 44015 . Sharon B. and I would like to thank those persons who have come forward to provide support to us as we began this trip with the inevitable note of finality being obvious. Your support which was extremely gracious is richly appreciated.

Those of you who met my mom and got to know her knew her to be genuine, spiritual and full of life and fun. She was all about family, and that included the extended family. Any friend who was connected to us was a part of the family. She spoke often of all of the bowlers and others of the visually impaired community across our state. She was very thankful and very proud of the way we lived, the way we worked, the things we did to be inclusive and how we fought to overcome blindness.

Thank you for reading, thank you for sharing, and thank you for your support.

ABBA AWARDS – 2008-2009 SEASON