A few years ago the bowling industry had a campaign that sent portable bowling lanes, pins and balls to troops overseas. The bags the equipment came in were signed by all the bowlers who donated money to cover the cost of the portable bowling lanes. My nephew just returned from Afghanistan after serving there for a year (his 2nd year long deployment). He wasn't serving in the army during those days so he didn't benefit from that program. Dennis has always been a bowler. He started out in the Saturday morning youth league program, bowled in the Indianapolis Teen Traveler's League and continued to league bowl as an adult. His parents are avid bowlers (bowling at Expo Bowl bowling center), his wife and two oldest kids have also bowled in leagues.
Dennis even found a bowling center in South Korea where he could bowl. There wasn't that same luxury in Afghanistan for people in the service. Since returning home to Kansas he has begun bowling again. He and his family have gotten to enjoy the sport of bowling again.
The newest campaign hosted by Royal Pin Leisure Centers is a bowling league called "Adopt A Platoon". Bowlers will be paying their weekly fees with all prize money going to support a platoon. We will send supplies, goodies, games, etc. to try to make their deployment just a little better.
Bowlers have always supported our troops. The Bowlers to Victory Link is the bowling industry's largest charity. Bowlers from all over the country contribute during the campaign every November and all money collected goes to local veteran's hospitals to provide recreational equipment, tvs., and furniture,etc. for visiting families.
Homes for families of patients in veteran's hospitals similar to the Ronald McDonald houses are being built through this foundation.
Thanks to all the generous bowlers for supporting our men and women in uniform.
Dennis Lambert-US Army
Royal Pin Leisure Centers is made up of a variety of personalities. Some of us are great bowlers, while others are proud when we bowl 100 in a game.
Much like a huge family there are a wide range of ages, hobbies and interests. We live all over Indianapolis and the surround areas. Depending on where you live and which Center you visit you may have seen one of us, even talked with us, and not really know who we are.
This year we want to not only welcome you into our bowling centers, but also welcome you to get to know our staff. Stop by to bowl and enjoy time with your friends and the Royal Pin family.
We will introduce an employee each week in 2012 and show you a little about their personality through their pet. We have the typical, dogs and cats, but wait until you see the Snake, Flying Squirrel and other unusual pets.
Follow this blog and see how do you relate to our Royal Pin Family? Let us know how you relate to your pet!
Ray MuirCoach – all Royal Pin Leisure Centers
Employee since: 1979 Pets name: Raylin Breed: West Highland Terrier How did you choose your pet’s name?
My wife’s name is Lynn. I gave her the pet on anniversary so we decided to combine first names of each Ray + Lynn = Raylin.
How did you get your pet?
Dennis Scott, previous manager of Western Bowl, and I are really close friends. I bought Raylin back when we worked together. What similarities do you and your pet have?
We are both a little hesitant to approach people at first, but once we know its ok, we’re ready to be enjoy the group. What makes your pet special or unique?
Raylin is smart. She seems to watch tv and really likes to watch when other dogs are on. She is like one of their children.
How old? What is his/her birthday? 6 yrs old, I think she was born in September. Do you give her any special treats?
She loves to ride in the car. You can ask her if she wants to go bye-bye and she goes crazy, running right to the door.
When my daughter Cassie turned 12 she wanted to have a bowling birthday party at Sport Bowl (which used to be one of the bowling centers in Indianapolis) She and her sister Carly had grown up in the bowling alley because her dad and I were the owners. It wasn't just a bowling party though, it was a slumber party. We started the party in the evening and the kids bowled and camped out in the playroom. We all slept in sleeping bags on the concrete floor. They even bowled in their pajamas!
It was great fun for them to bring their friends bowling as they had the run of the place. They would bowl, fix their own drinks in the snack bar, play arcades and basically show their friends a good time. Our offices were upstairs and they would all hang out, do their homework and spend time till we got off work. Their friends loved going there after school.
We used to go in on holidays when no one was in the bowling center and the kids would run around, slide on the approaches and bowl in the dark. We even took our collie sometimes. She would try to walk down the lane and all she would do is slip and slide. Pretty funny to watch!
Cassie started her work career at Sport Bowl by learning to file, stuff envelopes and do payroll. She later was a lane attendant, counter person and even worked as cleaning crew over-night. She and her friend Leslie were cleaning one night when the vacuum cleaner caught on fire in the snack bar and we had to call the fire department.
I can't remember what Carly started out doing but she eventually was a supervisor and bartender/waitress. Carly loved bowling and may have have been running the bowling center had it not been sold.
Both girls bowled in our Saturday Morning Youth League and in the Teen Traveling League.
High School bowling didn't start until Cassie was out of school but Carly bowled for Perry Meridian High School. She was on the team when they won the Indiana State Championship girls division.
Bowling has always been a part of our lives. Carly still bowls for fun and Cassie organizes a bowling event for her fellow teachers at Lowell Elementary, and I work at Western Bowl.
Share your stories if you were a bowling alley kid or your kids grew up in a bowling center.
I'd love to hear them.
Until next time...
GO BOWLING!
Do you enjoy the sport of bowling? How about having lunch at your favorite restaurant? Do you want to see those small businesses thrive and those large companies succeed? In order for these things to happen we have to prepare our youth. Indianapolis bowling centers have many coaches that assist our youth bowlers every year to succeed in improving their skills. Although, our coaches are a big help they are dwindling down. Many people love the sport but not many are willing to teach at an Indianapolis bowling center. Our coaches not only teach our youth to better their skills but they also learn many other skills. They are taught how to listen attentively. In order to properly give a bowling lesson the teacher must have the youth bowlers attention. Also, in order for the youth bowler to learn they must give their undevided attention to the coach. Our Indianapolis bowling coaches also teach teamwork. All of our your bowling leagues are created that in order to win you have to have your teams involvement. Involvement is the encouragement they give to each other, the "pick me ups" if something just doesn't go right, and some youth bowlers learn the skills to coach their friends. Royal Pin centers in Indianapolis have many coaches that teach great sportsmanship. Everytime that child bowls in a youth bowling league, they will be bowling against another team. These youth are taught, no matter if you win or lose, that you can cheer on the other team for a job well done.
The sky is the limit if we can teach our youth bowling leagues these simple skills. They won't realize they're learning either cuz they'll be having fun. SNA
Greetings from Western Bowl in Indianapolis!
On my last blog I told you about the wedding reception that was held at Western Bowl last November (11/11/11!)
We received a nice thank you note which read;
"Western Bowl Staff,
Thank you so much for the card and bowling gift cards. You really helped to make our day special! Thanks, Shannon & Paul"
We want to wish Shannon & Paul the best of luck!
We've held all kinds of other special events at the bowling center over the past years. The most recent ones have been a baby shower (no the mom to be didn't bowl), kids birthday parties, cosmic bowling events, corporate outings which are great for team building, bowling with Santa and the Easter Bunny and our Halloween Bowling Bash to name just a few.
We've also held collegiate bowling tournaments, monthly 9 Pin No Tap tournaments and monthly Texas Hold 'em Tournaments.
There are lots of special events in Indianapolis this coming month with the Super Bowl but if you're looking for something else to do book your special event with us at Western Bowl.
Until next time, happy bowling!
Susie
Program Director
Western Bowl
How many lines do you wait in on a daily basis? You have the traffic lines, grocery store, restaurants, bathrooms, etc. Lines may be a hassle and we here with Indianapolis bowling have decided to decrease that wait or eliminate it altogether. You have the ability to create reservations with Southern Bowling Center at www.royalpin.com. We at Royal Pin have realized the stresses with lines and we want to make your bowling experience the least bit stressful. On our website you are able to reserve lanes for bowling, child birthday parties, and even company events, if less than four lanes are needed. I went to the license branch one day and after waiting in the original line, I was forced to wait in a second line to finally complete my task. Although lines can be a hassle, they can also allow you to meet new people. In the line at Southern Bowling Center, you will automatically have one interest that you know someone else enjoys, BOWLING. The Southern Bowling Center also has a wonderful collection of brightly colored shoes that you are able to discuss with others. These conversations could spark up more conversations and give you the opportunity to make long-lasting friends. SNA
Oh finally the snow arrives and it seems to change the tone of everything. I only wish it had snowed like this on Christmas. Have you ever noticed when you are outside how quiet it becomes. It brings a peacefulness. But I know only too well how busy the bowling alleys in Indianapolis are when the snow begins to fly. The kids are out of school and the planning for the New Years' Eve event are enough to make you go crazy. You can ask anyone of the staff and they will tell you this is a great time of year but NUTS.
I called around to our bowling centers today, to see how everyone was doing with their big parties coming up. Southern bowling center has only 3 lanes left and everyone else has several openings.
They will be blowing up balloons, getting party favors together, buying those crazy door prizes and preparing the food. It takes every employee to pull those parties off. Team building Indianapolis is at it's highest when it comes to NYE at the bowling centers. There is a sense of pride when you look at your evening and know that approximately 1000 people celebrated the New Year with you.
As we all gear up for the super bowl, I am amazed at how many events in Indianapolis will be taking place. Today I read something about a "Zooper Bowl" a recycling event in partnership with the zoo. How many different ways can "super bowl" be turned? There is "super build 46", "super cars", "super celebration sites", "super cure", "super scarves" and "super baskets of hope", the list goes on and on. I did take a moment to look at these events and I'm sure that all of them will be amazing.
For those of you who do not know, we are hosting the NFL Charities Super Bowl at Woodland Bowling center Indianapolis.
I am very excited that Royal Pin was chosen to host this wonderful event. I hope there will be something that I can volunteer to help. I have never been a huge football fan (only cheer for the "Colts" so, I probably will not know many of the celebrities, but I'm sure I will be star struck just the same.
The thing that I enjoy, is the excitement that fills the bowling center with big events such as this. It reminds me of the first time I went to the National Bowling Stadium in Reno. I stood in awe of that facility and it was empty like I do when I enter one of our bowling centers during an event like this. Just makes you smile to be there.
Here is the link to the Indianapolis Super Bowl page, where you can see a calendar of events.
http://www.indianapolissuperbowl.com/
During my last blog I told you that Western Bowling Center was hosting a wedding reception. The bride and groom had gone bowling on one of their first dates and wanted to host an event that everyone would remember.
The reception was held this past Friday and was a huge success.
Western Bowl's Hall of Fame Room was draped with white tulle and white lights, tables were decorated with white table clothes and elegant centerpieces. The comment you kept hearing as the guests arrived was that they had never been to a wedding reception at a bowling center. I think they were so surprised at how beautiful the room was.
After a catered meal, cutting of the cake and pictures the whole party took to the lanes to bowl a few games. The bride did indeed bowl in her wedding dress! Everyone had a great time.
After I heard the comments from the guests, I wondered if anyone else had been to a wedding or reception at a bowling center. I want to invite you to share your story if you have (or if you've held or attended other parties or events at a bowling center).
I'll be watching for your comments.
Until next time...Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
There are a lot of people that do not consider bowling a sport. Bowling allows for interaction between multiple people. That in essence creates good or bad sportsmanship. That also can allow for great friendships and bonds to be created. Bowling will also allow for relationships between families to increase with Southern Indianapolis Bowling Centers Adult/Junior Leagues. Bowling also gives bowlers exercise. It is always suggested to start off bowling by warming up and stretching. There is always the possibility of hurting your back, arm, or legs. I always stretch before bowling. It is good for your body if you stretch, even without bowling, it will keep your muscles from tightening up. You also will be doing a lot of walking. You will want to talk to friends in other lanes, walking back and forth on the approach to throw and retrieve your ball. Also, flexing your muscles while swinging, turning and twisting can help you burn 170-300 calories depending on your weight. I love the sport of bowling. I created a lot of friendships through bowling. I enjoy staying fit and bowling helps me exercise without realizing it. I also can stay on a regular schedule and it's not a hard one to keep. The best way to make sure you continue this exercise is to join a Southern Indianapolis Bowling League. Bowling will always be considered a sport if you're participating in it for fun or joining an Indianapolis bowling league. There is a bowling center in every city. If you don't think you would qualify to bowl, contact your local bowling center and I guarantee they won't tell you that you don't have the ability. Bowling is definitely the sport for YOU. GET OUT THERE AND BOWL! START EXERCISING IN A FUN WAY!
Bowling Health Benefits:
helpwithbowling.com/bowling-health-benefits.php
Thank you! Everything was great at the bowling birthday party! The children had a great time.
Name: Melissa
Event: child birthdays
Location: expo
Have you ever had to move? Moving from your home to one that has a totally different scenery, different people, and different way of handling things can be an exciting and scary situation. I recently moved from Western Bowling Center to Southern Bowling Center. This experience has given me a different perspective of many different things. I was at Western Bowl for a total of 6 years and I never imagined having to change centers. At first I was very nervous about everything. I was unsure how the other employees would treat me, how many adjustments I would have to make to accommodate the new position I was given. I was very afraid that if I messed up on anything or didn't understand something I would be looked down upon. Southern has given me opportunity to meet new people and experience a different management staff. Although Southern is on the outskirts of Indianapolis in a quiet area, the people inside are full of life and as fun as can be. They welcomed me in as if I had been working there for years. The center itself is well kept and everyone is willing to help you through any difficult situation. I immediately had to start working with our youth bowling leagues. I discovered that the center is extremely involved with the kids and want to make sure they are enjoying themselves. Every month we celebrate the kids' birthdays by getting brownies, cookies, or another type of snack. We have bowling lessons that are included in the youth league. Another great aspect of the center is our kids bowling parties. Our birthday party host will always be recognized by the silly hat that they choose to wear while assisting with your party. They have wonderful personalities and will help the party with anything that they have the ability to. Our birthday party hosts are going to take any and all stress off of you. Having your birthday party at Southern Bowling Center will make things so much easier and it is a sport that anyone can participate in. I remember the first night I was here I went and introduced myself to the bowling leagues. All of the bowlers were very nice and greeted me with such enthusiasm. Working some nights more than others I have already remembered some of their names. Remembering the names of the bowlers is the greatest thing ever. You're able to personally greet them and having approximately 200 bowlers in the center it can be a very difficult task. When you talk to the bowlers by name or remember a score they bowled, the bowlers realize how much you truly care about them. Working in an Indianapolis Bowling Center has also given me respect for the people that are behind the scenes. Have you ever thought about how the machines are not breaking down or why there are clean restrooms to use? The next time that you go to the Southern Bowling Center, think about all the things that are done to make your experience a great one. Once you learn all the different angles of bowling, you will love Indianapolis bowling as much as I do.
our hostess was very helpful and made our bowling birthday party memorable!
The children were very excited and they had fun at the bowling birthday party.
Name: Jessica
Event: child birthdays
Location: expo
Everything went well at the bowling birthday party. The bowling birthday party was very fun and the kids enjoyed the party!
Name: jennifer
Event: child birthdays
Location: expo
We had lots of fun at the bowling birthday party!! the children had a wonderful time and the bowling birthday party was fun.
Name: Janice
Event: child birthdays
Location: expo
Our hostess was sweet and helpful:) she made the bowling birthday party great! the kids had a greattime at the bowling birthday party.
Name: Matt
Event: child birthdays
Location: expo
Last week Indianapolis was host to the Indiana State Bowing Proprietor's board meeting and seminars. One of the seminar speakers talked about how bowling has changed over the years. For example, there are less league bowlers but more people are enjoying open play with their families and friends. We now offer cosmic bowling, bumper bowling, fun tournaments, kid's birthday parties, live music and other events no one thought of 20 years ago.
Something that hasn't changed is that bowling centers are one of the few places where people still gather weekly (and sometimes even daily). We have several bowlers who participate in all 3 of our senior socials and also bowl in one or more bowling leagues.
The bowling center is a place where people not only bowl but make lifelong friendships.
Some people even meet their future spouses. Western Bowl is hosting a wedding reception this November for a couple who met while bowling. They wanted to do something really fun and different to celebrate their union and chose Western Bowl. The reception will include all the normal activities; a meal, cutting of the cake and of course bowling. We can't wait to see if the bride bowls in her wedding gown!
If you haven't checked out what bowling has to offer lately, want to make new friends or even have your special event here, come check us out.
Greetings from Western Bowl bowling center in Indianapolis! It's been a long time since I blogged but I wanted to share a good story about youth bowling.
During the Month of October we held two different youth bowling tournaments. We hosted the annual Western Shoot-Out Collegiate Tournament and our first ever High School Pre Season Tournament.
They were vastly different in the number of teams who participated. The collegiate bowling tournament had 63 teams (40 mens and 23 womens) from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee and Illinois and the tournament was held over 2 days.
Our High School Bowling Tournament had only 4 teams (3 boys/1 girls) and was held on a Saturday afternoon.
The amazing part of this is that there was the same enthusiasm, competition and team work in both tournaments. The kids who competed in the high school tournament bowled as if there were 60 teams. The coaches and bowlers didn't let the fact that there was so few teams bowling ruin their experience. They were here to bowl!
The boys team from Brownsburg High School which consisted of both boys and girls bowlers
won the tournament and received a team trophy and medals for the coach and all the bowlers.
If you think the sport of bowling isn't competitive or exciting you need to come out and watch these kids bowl.
Indiana High School bowling competition is held in one of the area bowling centers each week starting in November. These bowlers are representing their schools just like a basketball, baseball or football team does. Find out where your favorite school (or your Alma mater) bowls and root them on. You won't be disappointed in the experience!
Arlington/Roe is home based in Indianapolis and each of our locations, Grand Rapids, MI – Geneva, IL & Louisville, KY organize a Spring and Fall outing designed to:
#1 Have Fun
#2 Get to Know the many people with whom we work
In Indianapolis we have 90 plus employees so we thought team building “with a theme” would be fun. The bowling teams are made up of people from various departments and a general theme is established. Based on the theme the teams compete not only for bowling scores but a competition is organized for best name and best “costumes”. Yes, our people go over the top being creative and competitive. Themes have included Decades – Where each team had a different decade 50’s 60’s 70’s and so on. Our hat theme was a hoot and this year’s sock theme was more fun than expected when the Loose Socks won for their shirts with odd socks stuck to them and one guy wearing a washing machine made from a box and another cut a hole in the laundry basket and wore it at his waist. Hilarious…and quite clever.
The people at Woodland Bowling Center treat us like gold and for
some reason they give us a private area as far away from their patrons as possible. GRIN… We always get comments about how much fun we appear to be having and we are loud. This year we were presented with our own bowling pin complete with our logo and a thank you to our company. We appreciated it and it’s proudly displayed in our reception area.
The person who is the most fun in our group is the owner of the company Jim Roe who loves to put his wallet right by the lane offering it to you if you make a strike…”under the pressure”…. He’s been lucky and hasn’t had to pay out yet, but some day he’ll pick the wrong person to bet against. Jim believes good business is based on good relationships and “The Golden Rule”. He is intently dedicated to giving us the tools we need to be successful. We only need to work hard and work smart....and as you might guess, have fun.
It’s a wonderful time and each year we propose other team building ideas but bowling at Woodland Bowling Center always wins. It should be noted that not all our people bowl, so we organize card games but many just love to be spectators and cheerleaders for their team. Everyone is a part of a team and there is money for the winners!
Most importantly we recommend hands down that you organize your next business or personal fun event at Woodland Bowling Center. We’ll be happy to share with you how we organize ours. Woodland knows how to reach us.
Arlington/Roe is a Managing General Agency and Wholesale Insurance Broker. We were established in 1964 and are excited to be coming up on 50 years of service. Our customers are the many independent insurance agents that serve the high risk needs of the insurance buying public. If you would like to learn more about us feel free to visit www.arlingtonroe.com. Helen E. Cassada
Assistant to the President - Director of Communications
Indianapolis, IN Office
Arlington/Roe & Co
www.arlingtonroe.comTo the teams of Arlington/Roe,
Thank you for having your event at Woodland Bowling Center every year. We do our best to host team building events in Indianapolis. Arlington/Roe has the idea down right. These people were dressed in the silliest costumes and all having a great time! I walked in and noticed the socks right away. How I noticed that over the tall guy in the pink leotard and big wig is beyond me!
We appreciate your business and your great attitude. See you again next year!
Contact me if you're intested in getting tips from Royal Pin or Arlington/Roe on how to organize a successful, fun team building event!
Stacey: sdavis@royalpin.com
317-576-5174 ext 208
Some exiting new changes have taken place at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis, Indiana. if most of you don't know I (Monica Meals) have taken the Program Department over at Woodland Bowling Center. We would also like to welcome Ken Howard, manager and Steven Frank (supervisor) and Patrick Helmecy(supervisor) back to Woodland Bowl. We look forward to having an exciting new season here at the Woodland Bowling Center. Feel free to contact any of us if you might be interested in scheduling a birthday party, corporate outing, bowling lesson's, joining a league, or just stop in to say high and enjoy some recreational time. Don't forget the upcoming 69th Lumber Liquidators Tour Stop here at Woodland Bowl. The Dick Weber Eliminator will be held March 30, 2012 through Sunday April 1st, 2012. The Pro Am will be held Friday March 30th with squad times being held at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Woodland Bowl in Indianapolis, Indiana. If you have bowled in this before you know that you will have the option of purchasing a bowling ball package. The bowling ball offered this year will be the Brunwsick Lethal Revolver. This is a great time to come out and bowl with the greatest bowlers in the world!!!. Don't miss out on the fun. The format for the tournament has changed as well and looks to be a very exiting weekend with a lot of bowling going on. Don't forget to check us out on line at
www.royalpin.com. You can also follow Woodland Bowling Center on Twitter and Facebook.
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