SOUTHAMPTON-Bowling has been a passion for several women in the Greater Westfield area – some spanning close to 50 years – and on Thursday mornings they gather at the Canal Bowling Lanes to socialize and enjoy some exercise.
Georgette Russell has bowled for more than 40 years.
For many of the women who were eager to return to the sport they love after a short summer hiatus – memories of bowling at The Bowling Center in Westfield, owned by the Romani family, were ever present.
The “Romani League” at the Canal Bowling Lanes meets Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. and is much more than bowling three strings.
“I love this league because it’s a social group,” said Carolyn Tauscher, age 88, of Westfield. “We have a lot of fun and it’s a great way to make new friends.”
Kathy Kirby has bowled for more than 60 years.
Tauscher, who has been bowling for more than 40 years, added that many of the league members enjoy socializing after their weekly gathering.
“Many of us go out to lunch after we bowl,” said Tauscher.
For Marie Brodowski, age 80, of Westfield, she has fond memories of The Bowling Center which most women affectionately referred to as “Romani’s.” She currently serves as the league’s treasurer.
“The people were very nice there, especially owner Paul Romani,” said Brodowski, who like most of the women have been a member of the Romani League in Southampton now for close to 10 years.
Marie Brodowski has been bowling in the Romani League for close to 10 years.
“I enjoy this league because of the people and it’s a great way to exercise,” said Brodowski.
Sandra Jablonski, age 76, of Southwick, president of the Romani League, concurred.
“I started bowling in a league at Romani’s when I was 18 with my friends,” said Jablonski. “This league is fun because there is no pressure. Bowling is also great exercise and a nice way to get together with friends.”
Creating friendships through a bowling league was another constant theme throughout the morning as the women took turns in a friendly competition.
Ruth Darling started bowling more than 40 years ago.
“We enjoy each other’s company while bowling as well as when we go out to eat after,” said Georgette Russell, age 94, who has lived in Woronoco and Blandford. She too credits The Bowling Center for her lifelong love of bowling.
Sandra Jablonski, who serves as president of the Romani League, has been bowling since she was 18.
“Romani’s was a small, friendly place,” said Russell. “I learned how to bowl there with my friends.”
Ruth Darling, age 78, of Westfield, echoed those sentiments.
“I started bowling at the Community Lanes in Westfield years ago,” said Darling. “This league is fun and great exercise for your health because you have to get up and move.”
For Kay Caputo of Westfield, who says she is “over 70,” her love of the
Kosta Taralinkof is one of two men bowling with a group of women in the Romani League at Canal Bowling Lanes.
sport also started at The Bowling Center and the Community Lanes.
Sarah Kirst and Sandra Jablonski keep score for their respective team members. Kay Caputo is seen in the background.
“I enjoyed bowling in Westfield because it was close to home and there was a great group of bowlers,” said Caputo. “I love this league because it’s a challenge and a day out to visit with friends.”
For more than 60 years, Kathy Kirby, age 76, of Westfield, has made bowling her main sport of choice.
“I started bowling in my teens and spent many years bowling at Romani’s and the Community Lanes,” said Kirby. “I enjoy being back to candlepin now.”
For Peggy Thomas, age 75, of Westfield, she had a lapse of 30 years bowling but resumed the sport close to 10 years ago.
Sarah Kirst lines up her shot at the Canal Bowling Lanes.
“The idea of getting out, socializing and exercising was important to me,” said Thomas. “I encourage others to do the same.”
Jackie Jaros, age 71, of Westfield, had also taken a 30-year break from bowling but returned to the sport two years ago when she learned about the Romani League.
“Romani’s was a nice place and since I was a new bowler I would always go in early to practice before the league started,” said Jaros. “Bowling is fun and a great way to exercise and I’ve made friends through this league.”
Beulah Kidrick, age 81, of Montgomery, has bowled for approximately 15 years and enjoys the camaraderie of the league members.
Beulah Kidrick and Peggy Thomas chat during a break from bowling.
“I like this league because it’s fun and not competitive,” said Kidrick, adding that it’s a great way to add to her exercise regimen which includes swimming.
Sarah Kirst, the youngest member at age 55, of Westfield, relishes the time she spends with the league members.
“I bowled at Romani’s as a teen and my aunt, Marie Brodowski, encouraged me to join this league,” said Kirst. “The girls are nice and a lot of fun to be with. It’s not whether you win or not, it’s more about bowling and getting out and socializing.”
For Jackie Chevalier, age 86, of Westfield, she too enjoys the camaraderie.
“I’m not a very good bowler but I like the sport because it keeps you limber and it is nice getting together with others,” said Chevalier.
While the women are the majority of the league members, two men are also part of the Romani League. On Sept. 7, Kosta Taralinkof of Southampton was also bowling, socializing and helping to keep score for his team.
“I look forward to bowling with these women each week,” said Taralinkof. “They are fun to be with and I enjoy the friendships I’ve made with them over the years.”
Jackie Chevalier is pleased with her shot.
“These people are wonderful,” said Joan Yamilkoski, age 83, owner of the Canal Bowling Lanes. “I enjoy getting to know them on a personal level.” When one walks into the bowling center you feel transported to an earlier era with its original lanes that have all been resurfaced and the seating and scoring areas that are well cared for and reminiscent of the 1960’s.
Jackie Jaros encourages others to consider bowling as a great way to exercise.
