Star bowlers Amanda Rabideau and Russ Weaver are pictured with their bowling trophies at the Sunrise Park pavilion, where the Bowling Buddies held their season-end banquet on May 10.
The highly anticipated and well-deserved Jimmy Deren Memorial/Bowling Buddies season-end banquet for the Parks and Recreation Bowling Buddies group was held on Tuesday, May 10 at beautiful Sunrise Park. The newly renovated pavilion was transformed into a tropical paradise with our beach themed BBQ and party. The weather was perfect, and Sunrise Park is a true gem for Suffield. It was the first time since 2019 that we were able to host the in-person event, and we tried to make the awards celebration and banquet even more special this year for the group.
Smiles and good memories of the season were abundant as volunteer DJ Kevin Landolina spun everyone’s favorite tunes. Being able to have in-person bowling for the full season was a huge success, and the group did a fantastic job throughout the year with all of the changes that we all had due to the pandemic.
The Parks and Recreation Department’s weekly bowling program is the longest in duration, and the group diligently practiced each Tuesday since September for thirty-two weeks at Spare Time Lanes in Windsor Locks. Many of the participants also competed and trained for the Special Olympics virtual tournament that was held in November.
This special banquet was held to recognize all of the dedication and hard work of the athletes and Special Partners. Each athlete received a personalized trophy to recognize their athleticism and individual achievements with their High Game Scores engraved. Special Partners received personalized certificates. The overall team winners were also awarded specially engraved plaques. Team “Pat Cats” took the overall team win over the nine other teams; its members are: Sharon Kozaczka, Ed Cook, Lisa Philabert, David Blake and Nick Miller. Special trophies were also given to both Russ Weaver who received the Overall High Game Score for the men, with a score of 230, and Amanda Rabideau with 189 for women. Both Russ Weaver and Amanda Rabideau had also been the overall High Game Score Achievers during the 2019-2020 season. Brendan Burns received the outstanding sportsmanship plaque for all of his outstanding efforts. Vanise Shea -181 and Nick Miller -204 both received the Overall High Game Score for Special Partners. Everyone loved the delicious BBQ that Tom and Margo Burns helped prepare, along with many volunteers. As a coach of the team for many years, the highlight of the season for me was to see everyone’s smiles, the sheer enjoyment of being together, and celebrating each other’s accomplishments.
Many thanks to Dinn Brothers of West Springfield for the terrific trophy engraving! Special thanks go out to Spare Time Lanes for helping make the season so great, especially during the pandemic.
If you and your family are looking for a great place to bowl and have a fun day out, Spare Time Lanes in Windsor Locks is the place to go! Lastly, huge thanks go out to our Special Partners and volunteers including Bernice Hollander and volunteer DJ Kevin Landolina, who all help make the program possible.
If you are interested in participating as an athlete or volunteering as a Special Partner for the 2022/2023 season, please contact Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Director of Special Programs at dcarney@suffieldct.gov or 860-668-3862. We have many other fun activities and outings planned throughout the year for the group.
Are you looking for great programs for your family to make 2022 the best summer ever? You do not have to travel far to make the most incredible memories. We have a variety of fun programs for the whole family right here in Suffield with the Parks and Recreation Department. With affordable prices, attentive staff and programs that will make you and your family smile, summer is sure to be unforgettable. For a full listing of all of our programs, please visit suffieldrec.com. If you have any questions, please contact 860-668-3862. There are a variety of new enjoyable camps and programs for the whole family. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming program!
We have an exciting summer planned out for Suffield, starting with the first annual Suffield Summer Fair, June 17-19. Other special events include Suffield Night at the Yard Goats, Wednesday night concerts on the Green, Saturday outdoor movie nights, and even a car show! These special events are in addition to our amazing camps, classes, sports, 5K series, fitness programs, and more! Be sure to visit the Parks and Recreation page on the Town website (www.suffieldct.gov) or check out the community calendar on the Town website for full event details and listings. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook, both found under @suffieldrec.
Summer Music:
June 17-19: The Suffield Summer Fair – live music all three days
June 25 (Saturday): The Classics: Cars & Music featuring classic cars and music by Jimmy Mazz. Followed by the movie Grease on our outdoor movie screen!
July 6: Night Moves
July 13: Project 267
July 20: Gravity X
July 27: Chalkdust
