NEWS FROM THE SOUTHEASTERN BOWLING ASSOCIATION

The Southeastern Blind Bowling Association held its annual tournament in Roanoke VA. this past November. We visited the Roanoke Valley Blind Bowlers to help celebrate their 50th anniversary. Sixty-four bowlers participated in the tournament.

On Friday evening we enjoyed an outstanding hospitality room, provided by the Roanoke Valley Blind Bowlers. Those people did a wonderful job, everything was delicious.

On Saturday evening we hosted a banquet to say congratulations to Roanoke for an outstanding job. S.B.B.A. presented a plaque to the president and each member received a commemorative button. A local bakery provided a cake decorated with bowling balls and pins. To help make the evening a little sweeter, they provided cup-cakes decorated for the occasion. In addition, Judy Jeter received the Life Membership Award for her twenty plus years of dedicated service as secretary-treasurer to S.B.B.A. Thank you Judy for your service.

I would like to thank our Tournament Director, Sandy McDaniel and our Tournament Administrator Jenny Beares, for putting together an outstanding event. The only thing that would have made the week-end better would have been you there. Plans are now being worked on for next November. Watch this publication for details.

~~submitted by Howard J. Beares Jr.

News from the Midwest Blind Bowlers

The Midwest Blind Bowling Tournament will be held in Janesville, WI on March 16-18, 2012. Our committee is working very hard to make it as successful as our tournament was in 2009. One of the things we have planned is a Saturday night buffet for $10.00 per person. The buffet will include the following items; Broasted Chicken, Sugar Cured Ham, Pepper Steak with Rice, Au Gratin Potatoes, Red Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Steamed Corn, Tossed Salad, Fruit Salad, Pasta Salad and Cottage Cheese. Also included will be rolls with butter, coffee, iced tea and a brownie for dessert. The banquet will be held in the Grand Ballroom and will run from 6:45 – 8:00. All reservations for the banquet must be made by March 10, 2012. Please send a check payable to

the Rock County Railers
C/O Thomas Wolfe
1126 Nantucket Drive
Janesville, WI 53546

The dance will run from 8:45 – 1:00 in the Grand Ballroom on Saturday and will have a cash bar.

We will be selling polo shirts for a fund raiser. They will cost $15.00 per shirt and come in the following sizes; small, medium, large, extra large, 2XL, 3XL and 4XL. The shirt will be red with white print. On the back it will have an outline of the state of Wisconsin. Inside the state will be 3 bowling pins and a bowling ball with its mouth open and teeth showing. Inside the logo it will say “MBBA Tournament Janesville, WI”. Underneath the logo it will say “Home of the Rock County Railers”. On the front left side it will say “MBBA Tournament, March 16-18, 2012.” Order forms will be sent to league secretaries in early December. The forms will be due back on March 10, 2012. There will be a limited number of shirts for sale during the tournament.

We will also be selling chances to win one of three $100.00 bills, which will be given away before the tournament begins. Tickets will be included in the December packet sent to league secretaries. The cost of this raffle is $5.00 per ticket.

The hotels will be:

America’s Best Value Inn, AKA Best Western of Janesville
3900 Milton Av
Janesville, WI
Phone: 608-756-4511

Room rate will be $89.95 plus tax of $12.14, 102.09 per night total, with up to 5 people per room, and

Motel 6
3907 Milton Av
Janesville, WI
608-756-1742

the rate per room varies depending on the number of people per room. When you make your reservations, be sure to mention the Midwest Blind Bowling Tournament to receive the special rates. A shuttle van will be available from Thursday March 15 – Sunday, March 18, 2012. To make a ride from the Van Galder Bus to either of the hotels, please call Tom Wolf at 608-756-3041 (h) or 608-289-2627 (c).

Buses to the bowling alleys will be available. They will depart from both hotels 90 minutes prior to the scheduled bowling times. 50/50 tickets will be available at the bowling sessions each day. I think that covers everything you need to know, and I look forward to seeing you in March

~~Thomas Wolfe, Rock County Railers

In’s and Out’s of League Organization Rules Interpretation & Enforcement Committee

wow that’s quite a committee title! I didn’t create it but was asked to chair it this year. This committee addresses specific league situations or questions concerning ABBA’s by-laws or policy statements. Sometimes it’s good to be pro-active and provide a little information for our new leagues and bowlers, and we all need reminders once in awhile.

 

To start with, there are more government regulations for nonprofit organizations like ABBA. This happened following some scandals in the last ten years. It means more paperwork and keeping track of details than most of us would like, but that’s what we live with. So here we go.

 

Tax-exempt Status: ABBA has been granted this by IRS under their section 501(c)3, which is part of the tax code. It means bowlers, other individuals or corporations can make donations to ABBA and covered leagues and these donations can be deducted as charitable contributions. ABBA has an umbrella which may cover other member leagues. ABBA Secretary-Treasurer Rozella Campbell does the initial paperwork to get leagues included. That way you can also do fund-raising and contributions are tax-deductible. However, each league covered under ABBA’s umbrella must file an online report with the IRS every year. It’s a simple process, even for someone like me who is not a computer “techie.” I do have instructions on how to do this. If this is not done, the IRS may fine a league after a few years.

 

What’s an E I N (Employer Identification Number)? It’s a number assigned to organizations (including bowling leagues) and is similar to the social security number each of us has been assigned. This number is needed for savings or checking accounts and each league must have its own EIN. For this purpose ABBA’s number should not be used for the league. This number is obtained from the IRS and again it’s fairly easy to request online.

 

Once the league obtains an EIN, they may want to be covered under the umbrella as a subordinate of ABBA. To do this, send a letter to the ABBA Secretary- Treasurer, listing the league secretary’s name and stating the league is in good standing with the IRS and following the rules of ABBA.

 

At the November midyear meeting a new policy statement was adopted regarding fund raising. When projects are planned, the league should decide how the proceeds are to be used. Some examples are: tournament transportation, entry fees, ABBA membership fees, league bowling shirts, trophies, etc. This should be recorded in meeting minutes. It is also important that the receipts are deposited into a league checking or savings account. Any organization’s funds should never be kept in a personal bank account. The league’s fund-raising guidelines should be sent to Rozella Campbell if the league is covered under ABBA’s tax-exempt status and there are plans to raise more than $1,000 in a year. That amount does not include prize money, however.

 

I know a lot of this can get complicated, but again it’s better to follow the guidelines rather than addressing problems later. We’d all rather focus on bowling, tournaments and enjoying the friendships we have made through the years. I’m available if you have questions. Have a happy, healthy 2012!

~~submitted by Kathy Brockman, chair
Rules Interpretation & Enforcement Committee

Remembering Our friends

REMEMBERING KEN ROEHL, MAY 21, 1930 – MARCH 23, 2011

Kenneth W. “Ken” Roehl, age 80, passed away on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at Legacy Gardens Assisted Living in Madison, WI after a long struggle with emphysema and congestive heart failure. For years, Ken was a member of The Dreamers Bowling League in Madison, WI. Ken was an avid bowler and bowled three days a week. He often attended Midwest Blind Bowlers and ABBA National Tournaments. He had several 300 games to his credit. Ken will be remembered by many as being a loveable jokester.

In addition to bowling, Ken had many other interests including; music, dancing, golf, camping and pool. His musical legacy includes a family band and composing thousands of songs. Ken was also a huge Green Bay Packer Fan.

Ken was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia, and is survived by his wife of 21 years, Ginny and many other family members.

~~editor

REMEMBERING ROY WARD

ABBA past president and life member Roy J Ward passed away on October 7, 2011 at the age of 91. He is survived by his three children, grandchildren, other family and many friends. The following excerpt is from Roy’s obituary in the Richmond Times-Dispatch…

Legally blind since birth and totally blind since 1980, Mr. Ward’s fiercely independent spirit enabled him to overcome many obtacles of his life. A 1941 graduate of Cornell, he earned his Masters degree from V C U in 1966. He began his career of service to those with visual impairment at the Maryland School for the Blind, continuing at the Lighthouse for the Blind (N.Y.C.), and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Visually Impaired where he served from 1959 to 1985, retiring as Deputy Director. Physically active from his youth, Mr Ward achieved Eagle Scout status in 1937. An early participant in bowling as an activity for the blind, he served many years as secretary/treasurer, then president of the American Blind Bowling Association. When Tenpin bowling was introduced to Virginia in the early 1960’s, Mr Ward established blind bowling leagues in Richmond and several other cities. For his service, the ABBA awarded him the Abe Cohen Memorial Award and he was designated as Life member #2…… Roy will be missed by his family and his many friends in ABBA.

~~editor

A Letter to the Editor of the blind bowler

It is with awe and gratitude that I write this letter to the Blind Bowler to thank the ABBA for the gracious honor they have bestowed on my late father, Ed Fitzpatrick.

My family and I were deeply moved to learn he was given the prestigious James M. Murrell Award for his dedication as Secretary for the TopCat Blind Bowlers. He and Mr. Murrell were friends long before I picked up my first bowling ball. My father would have been deeply honored to receive this award.

My only regret is that I could not be present to receive the award in his memory at the National Tournament. I was, however, grateful to Mike Staab for accepting it in my absence. My father entrusted the TopCats to Mike, a dear friend to me and my family, when he fell ill and I cannot think of anyone else that Edo would have wanted to accept the award in my absence.

If one was not enough, the ABBA named the partial male medal after my father as well. Words cannot begin to state how I feel about this wonderful organization bestowing my father’s name on this award. My dad may have passed away, but it is comforting to know that his memory will live on in the ABBA that he loved and treasured.

My father asked me to join the ABBA in 1989 and 20 plus years later, I am still proud to be a member of this great group of people. I have made some great friends over the years and hope to make many more in the future.

Thanks again to the ABBA for remembering my father, Ed Fitzpatrick, with these amazing honors. My family and I are eternally grateful.

~~submitted by Kevin Fitzpatrick, TopCat Blind Bowlers

CORRECTIONS

Please make the following corrections to your committee lists in the October Blind Bowler; Bob Smith has resigned from the finance committee.  He is replaced by

Art Tyson
520 W. Franklin St.
Apt. 1104
Richmond VA 23220
phone: 804-643-3027
agtyson@earthlink.net

From the public relations committee; Wendell Williamson’s new address is

12 Willow Creek
Apt P
Durham, NC 27705
Phone: 919-321-5093

Rod Burris’ new address is

2029 King St
Janesville, WI 53546

~~editor

BLIND BOWLER POLICIES

Due to some of the changes made to The Blind Bowler policies at the general meeting last May, I would like to share these changes with you and let you know how The Blind Bowler is sent to all of you. I hope that this will clear up confusion and answer any questions that you might have. I also want to give league secretaries something to consider.

The deadlines for anything submitted to The Blind Bowler are as follows; for the October issue, the deadline is September 15th, for the January issue, December 15th, and for the April issue, March 1st. The Blind Bowler is sent to Horizons for the Blind on October 1st, January 1st, and March 15th. At that time it is also sent to everyone who receives The Blind Bowler by e-mail. The recording for tape and cd copies is done shortly after it is sent to Horizons. The Blind Bowler should be in the mail by the following dates; October 15th, January 15th and April 1st. The mailings are handled by Horizons for the Blind and Dream Scenes Studios. The only copies that I get at my house is one copy of each format. Before the October issue is sent, league surveys are to be filled out and sent to me by September 25. If I receive any after October 1st, I will be unable to send you issues of the October issue because I do not have extras at my house.

Now, here’s what I want you to think about. Earlier this fall, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced some major changes in how they will be doing business. They will be closing several distribution centers and possibly going to five day a week mail service. At the time that they made this announcement they stated that the mail service would become slower, especially bulk mail and similar mailings. This will directly affect The Blind Bowler, especially since it is mailed “Free Matter for the Blind.” Many times, The Blind Bowler contains information that is time sensitive. In order for leagues to receive the information in a timely manner, it is vital that at least one person on the league receive The Blind Bowler by e-mail. If no one on your league has e-mail, check with your bowling center. They may be willing to receive this publication by e-mail and print a copy to share with your league. Anyone who requests The Blind Bowler by e-mail can receive it that way. This actually saves the league money as there is no cost involved with e-mailing. A copy of The Blind Bowler can also be found on our website, www.abba1951.org.

I hope that this clears up any confusion and helps us going forward. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me at blindbowler@gmail.com, or call me at 763-438-0647.

~~editor

TOURNAMENT NOTES

Reno Bound! We find that everything is developing nicely for a terrific tournament experience next spring. The nightly room rate at the Grand Sierra Resort Hotel is $69 per night plus tax. There is also a $10 per night resort fee, consistent at all resort hotels in that area. This makes your actual room rate $79 per night. This resort fee covers the cost of all amenities at the hotel. The bowling facility is on the main floor of the hotel. The resort features a large array of amenities including shopping facilities, restaurants, a spa, entertainment venues, and of course a casino. The hotel is also family friendly with Laser Tag, Arcade Games and The Ultimate Rush Thrill Park which is located on the casino grounds, so plan on bringing the whole family for a vacation you will all remember.

This is going to be a fabulous tournament and we would like to see as many bowlers as possible come to the biggest little city in the country for a week of fun and merriment. As this tournament will occur after Memorial Day, the opening ceremonies and first day of competition will occur on Tuesday, May 29, 2012. The Masters event will be bowled on Wednesday, May 30th. This year during the Masters, teams of sighted bowlers will be able to have a Masters event as well. Team competition along with singles and doubles events will be bowled each day between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. We are also in the process of planning day trips that you will be able to participate in as well.

You are able to contact the hotel at this time to reserve your room if you so desire. The number to the property direct is 775-789-2000. Follow the prompts for the reservation link. When requesting a reservation be certain to request the American Blind Bowlers Association block. For this year’s entry fees, ABBA is giving everyone a $10 discount. Instead of $68 for the tournament, for this year it will be $58. The Masters event will continue to be $20 additional. Each person who will be bowling in this year’s tournament must be in last year’s average book or have 21 games documented by March 1st of the current bowling season. Additionally, you must be sanctioned no later than January 15, 2012. If you have any questions regarding eligibility for the tournament, please contact Judy Mandelkow. We look forward to seeing you this May in Reno. It will be a fabulous time!

~~editor (Most information courtesy of Spare Times, the News and Notes of the Raleigh Outlaws)

MORE TOURNAMENT NEWS

Because the tournament is being hosted by ABBA and not a local league, the ABBA will be doing some fundraising to help defray the cost. The first event will be a raffle, with the prizes as follows:

• 1st Prize: $250.00


• 2nd Prize: $150.00


• 3rd Prize: $100.00


• 4th Prize: $50.00


• 5th Prize: $50.00

The drawing will be held Wednesday May 30th 2012 at 9:00 pm at the hospitality room. The winners need not be present to win. To purchase raffle tickets, send $5.00 per ticket with Name, Phone #, Address, and League Name to

Janice Erkilla
5253 42nd Ave So.
Minneapolis, MN 55417

Make checks payable to Janice Erkilla.

We will also be having a Chinese Auction. If any person or league would like to make a donation for the auction please contact Janice Erkilla at the same address or by phone at (612) 722-3041. Thank you for your support of these events.

~~editor