Ninety or nearly
Pineville Bowl becomes hot spot for senior bowlers
PINEVILLE — When entering Pineville Bowl on Thursdays at 1 p.m., lanes are filled from left to right with a group of weekly bowling buddies: bowlers in their 60s through their 90s.
Tom Bellach, owner of Pineville Bowl, said a group of bowlers has been coming to Pineville Bowl for several years, with three of four regulars in their 90s. Bellach said the bowlers aren’t part of a league but a community dedicated to the “lifetime sport.”
Bellach said many of the bowlers have been involved in the sport since they were children, noting that bowling has been a lifetime sport for many of them as well as himself.
“We hear it from all these guys — they’ve been doing it [bowling] since they were kids,” Bellach said. “This is truly a lifetime sport, although they aren’t competing at the same level they were 50 years ago.”
Bellach said the Thursday bowlers benefit from the weekly routine by staying active and socializing with others who share their love for the sport.
“I’m thrilled these guys are still out doing it,” Bellach said. “They’re staying active,” Bellach said, noting that many senior citizens feel that they cannot participate in activities such as bowling due to their age or ability.
Bo Bonneau, an 85-year-old bowler from Bella Vista, Ark., said he began bowling in 1957. Bonneau said Pineville Bowl offers a great community where he’s made many close friends.
“All these people are my friends,” Bonneau said, looking outward toward lanes filled with bowlers. “It’s a great community,” Bonneau said, with the sound of bowling balls rolling and pins falling behind his voice.
Bonneau said Thursdays at the alley offer a place for anyone interested, even if they’re not a seasoned bowler.
“The type of people who come
here — even if you can’t bowl at all, you can still enjoy yourself, and you will get better,” Bonneau said. And if you want to get better, you can ask some different people here, and they’ll help you.”
Bonneau said he has specific goals he’d like to meet before putting his bowling ball on the shelf.
“I’d like to get one more 800 series and one more 300 game,” Bonneau said. “I have thirteen 300s,” Bonneau said, adding he’s bowled in several tournaments in different parts of the country.
Individuals interested in Pineville Bowl, available leagues, and events can find more information on the business’s website or social media.