There were plenty of lane bumpers up at the Barn, Bowl and Bistro last Wednesday afternoon, but they weren’t for the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging bowling league.
If you’re a regular at the Barn, you’re probably familiar with the group of 16 seniors who have become lane junkies over the past few months.
These outings are a highlight for many of the seniors, who range in age from 55 to 91. The Oak Bluffs Council on Aging, the Friends of the Oak Bluffs Council on Aging, and the Cottagers have sponsored two seasons’ worth of bowling for the sprightly O.B. seniors.
The group started bowling in November, when a grant for $1,000 from the Cottagers enabled them to hit the lanes.
“No one gives a hoot what the score is. We’re here to have fun. And for the food,” Sand Blythe said.
Veronica Elliott said perseverance is key when you take up bowling later in life. The 91-year-old was eager to bowl, and despite weekly dialysis treatments, she never misses a bowling league meet, and works out twice a week.
Unsurprisingly, Ms. Elliott was the the first of the group to roll a strike.
The seniors had their last day of bowling last week, but they hope to get back in their bowling lanes in the fall, with the help of a community grant.
