HITTING THE LANES

Valley bowling alleys provide healthy, fun way to socialize

Story by Jerri Brouse

The bowling lanes in the Valley struggled, like many other businesses, during the pandemic. But, in spring 2023, they are bouncing back. Bowlers are returning to a sport they like and really enjoy. It’s not just the competition that has them returning. That’s part of it, but they also like the exercise and — finally — the ability to socialize with their friends. Perhaps no one has told you that people of all ages like to bowl. After you read about this popular sport in the Valley, you just might want to give it a try.

THE STRIKE ZONE, 300 PACKER ST., SUNBURY, SUNBURYBOWLING.COM AND ON FACEBOOK

Gary Lindenmuth is the manager and chief mechanic at The Strike Zone (TSZ) which opened in 1962. He is enjoying this chapter in his life as he also manages reservations, shoe rentals and payments for services — among a myriad of other tasks — at the alley. However, he particularly enjoys his role as the most enthusiastic cheerleader for kids and teens at TSZ.

As the manager of the lanes, he is one of the Shikellamy High School Bowling Teams’ biggest fans. Lindenmuth said in the hours after school, children and teens are the usual bowlers at the lanes. Shikellamy School District sponsors a Pee Wee Bowling program for children and the days they bowl, the lanes are filled with the sound of balls hitting the lanes, chatter, laughter and shouts of “way to go!” Meanwhile, proud parents and grandparents look on lovingly.

Bowling leagues — for men and women and mixed groups — remain popular, according to Lindenmuth, but, he said, teens tend to come as a group of friends, not as

OWEN dates. Families and friends out for a night of fun are very popular on the weekend.

Lindenmuth was a full-time mechanic for 35 years at Sunbury Motors until he made bowling his main career. In a part-time role, he was the mechanic at TSZ for 18 years. While his title is now “manager,” he should add public relations director to his list of responsibilities.

Northumberland Christian School brings students to TSZ for gym class. Every February for 16 days — Monday through Thursday for four weeks — two grades of students come to the bowling alley with their gym teacher Britany Crease. Seventh- and eighth-graders at the TSZ means lots of laughter, lots of smiles, lots of cheering and lots of good bowling!

THE BLUE MOOSE, 437 CHESTNUT ST., MIFFLINBURG, THEBLUEMOOSEPA.COM WILL BE ONLINE IN 20 DAYS. ALSO ON FACEBOOK

Kathy Kron, owner of The Blue Moose, said she never thought she’d be the owner of a bowling alley. But when she bought the building four years ago, she saw potential in the old four-lane alley in the basement.

“It had been abandoned and neglected for quite a while,” said Krohn. “It took a year to renovate parts of the building, including the bowling alley. The Brunswick traveling bowling mechanic would come once a month for 12 hour days and work.”

Now with freshly painted lanes, new balls, new shoes, a snack bar, pool tables and more, Krohn is excited to continue growing the business.

Things got off to a rough start when she opened six weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, forcing her to close her doors again. Thankfully, she managed to ride it out, and business is now booming.

Pondering her answer to the question, “Who makes up the bulk of her customer base?” Krohn said bowling seems to be popular for all ages.

“We get a lot of teenagers on dates and also private parties for birthdays and other events,” said Krohn. “You can rent out the entire bowling alley.”

Krohn said she believes bowling continues to be a popular sport because it gets people physically engaged in an activity and forces them to put their phones down — at least some of the time.

“It’s interesting because the first thing I noticed is that people put their phones down and talk to each other,” she said.

“It’s simple — and people want to do simple,” she said. “And it’s affordable, family-oriented fun that appeals to all ages.

The Blue Moose alley is different from other bowling alleys in that there are black lights and music playing and “it’s like a little party.”

Kids birthday parties have been a hit and Krohn is hoping to start recreational leagues in the fall.

For now, anyone interested in renting out The Blue Moose can call or text 570-713-4455 to make reservations or for more information.

“I’m happy that people are happy to come,” said Krohn. “That’s the whole point.”

BEST BOWL, 2208 ROUTE 522, SELINSGROVE, EMAIL: BESTBOWL @ LIVE.COM AND ON FACEBOOK

Dennis Camp, owner of Best Bowl, agreed that bowling