ONE OF THE CONSTANTS FOR THE ALL-YEAR-ROUND COMMUNITY ON THE JERSEY SHORE HAS BEEN THE MEN’S BOWLING LEAGUE. THE LEAGUE HAS EVOLVED INTO THE WINTER SOCIAL MAGNET ON THE SHORE. MEN AGED 20-75 COME TO PLAY, EXERCISE, INTERACT, ENJOY AND RELAX.
The bowling league has adapted to Covid protocols and safely distanced its way to yet another successful season. Albert Antebi, a league player, remarked “Through all the craziness of Covid, we are still able to have fun and be safe at the same time. The league is providing a much-needed break for everyone involved.” With 18 weeks completed through February, it has been smooth sailing for all.
Many young men, having just moved to Jersey, have joined the league to socialize and celebrate the Jersey night life. Newcomers are promptly directed by friends and community members to join the league for sanity and fun. “It’s the item that keeps us together,” says longtime bowler David ‘Labo’ Labaton. The league meets one night per week, from the end of Sukkot to the week before Pesach, taking time off for winter vacation.
“The league has become as essential as a summer mazza party,” said bowler Richie Braha. It’s geared to ensure that everyone is on a level playing field. To that end, each bowler receives a handicap. Weaker bowlers have points added to their average so they can compete with better, more established bowlers. “All the games are pretty close,” explained Bowling Commissioner David ‘Sut’ Sutton. Each team has four players with teams rotating to play a different opponent each week. Standings and statistics by team and individual are emailed to players each week.
The bowlers’ scoring averages are between 100-200. There was even a perfect 300 score game! As the Jersey Shore continues to grow, the DSN Bowling League simultaneously continues to grow. Albert Hakim, a bowling committee member, shared how the growth has been handled. “The league has worked hard to ensure we don’t turn away any community members.”
Sammy Sitt, DSN’s Executive Director summarized, “The DSN Bowling League has emerged as the staple, go-to winter activity for our men. We are thrilled that it has been a huge success. Providing our men with an active, social and fun environment is important now more than ever.“
