Windham Parks and Recreation began a candlepin bowling group earlier this year that is open to everyone and meets once a month. This group is a great way to meet new people. It’s not competitive and the participants are very encouraging of one another. The group had their monthly outing at Westport Bowling Lanes in Westbrook on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
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| Windham resident Cindy Moxcey gives the ball some speed and centers it during a Windham Parks and Recreation candlepin bowling outing at Westport Bowling Lanes in Westbrook on Tuesday, Aug. 26. PHOTO BY MATT PASCARELLA |
The candlepin bowling group began in May of this year and is without a doubt a success. Windham Parks and Recreation’s Adult Recreation Coordinator Maria Goodstein said she was trying to think of different activities that the program could do that incorporated exercise with socialization. The program already has a fitness class, so this was a natural progression.
“Everybody can enjoy it; I think it’s fantastic,” said Goodstein. “I’d like to grow the group a little bit more ... (Windham Parks and Recreation) have something for everybody, it doesn’t matter your ability, we’re just here to have fun; I don’t want people to stay away because they are intimated, or they feel they’re not as good as everybody else.”
Candlepin varies from 10-pin bowling in that you throw three smaller bowling balls instead of two large bowling balls. Candlepin pins are narrower than the 10-pin ones.
“I used to bowl a lot when I was a kid ... used to bowl 10-pin too,” said Windham resident Rick Varney. “I’ve been retired for eight years, being around people, getting to know different people around town ... I like to be as active as I can be. We’re a very friendly bunch, we’re only here to have a good time, nobody takes it real seriously. Try any of the activities (Windham Parks and Recreation offer), you might find out you like it; I’d encourage anybody to try it – we’re just here to have fun, that’s all.”
Some participants bowl to improve their game, while others bowl for exercise and socialization. Windham resident Cindy Moxcey is trying to get better and learn more about the game.
“I love to bowl; when I was younger, I used to bowl all the time,” said Windham resident Claire Cressey. “(This group) makes us laugh and get together. It’s just for fun, just being good friends. This is the best thing for an older person to do, because it gets you out of the house, make friends and have a lot of good times.”
Beverly Miller, a Windham resident, said she joined the group because she needed exercise. For her, what’s fun about the group is cheering everybody on. Miller said she used to bowl candlepin when she was in high school. She encourages anyone to join; it’s great exercise and nice to be around people.
While candlepin bowling session I has ended, the group’s Session II begins on Sept. 2 and runs through December. For more details, call 207-892-1905. <
“I used to bowl a lot when I was a kid ... used to bowl 10-pin too,” said Windham resident Rick Varney. “I’ve been retired for eight years, being around people, getting to know different people around town ... I like to be as active as I can be. We’re a very friendly bunch, we’re only here to have a good time, nobody takes it real seriously. Try any of the activities (Windham Parks and Recreation offer), you might find out you like it; I’d encourage anybody to try it – we’re just here to have fun, that’s all.”
Some participants bowl to improve their game, while others bowl for exercise and socialization. Windham resident Cindy Moxcey is trying to get better and learn more about the game.
“I love to bowl; when I was younger, I used to bowl all the time,” said Windham resident Claire Cressey. “(This group) makes us laugh and get together. It’s just for fun, just being good friends. This is the best thing for an older person to do, because it gets you out of the house, make friends and have a lot of good times.”
Beverly Miller, a Windham resident, said she joined the group because she needed exercise. For her, what’s fun about the group is cheering everybody on. Miller said she used to bowl candlepin when she was in high school. She encourages anyone to join; it’s great exercise and nice to be around people.
While candlepin bowling session I has ended, the group’s Session II begins on Sept. 2 and runs through December. For more details, call 207-892-1905. <
