The Blind Bowler Official Publication of the American Blind Bowling Association October 2018 Mario Diming, Editor 1333 W. 59th Street Chicago, IL 60636 773-474-8027 72nd ANNUAL ABBA TOURNAMENT PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA May 29- June 3, 2019 Everyone should be in the planning stages to attend the 72nd ABBA’s next tournament that will be heading back to “The Steel City / City of Bridges” Pittsburgh!!!! 2018 – 2019 OFFICERS President A.J. Inglesby 406 Hargett St. Greensboro, NC 27406 336-324-0265 Blindbowler300@me.com 1st Vice President Tournament Director Fred Nickl Sandy McDaniel 111 S. Dwyer Ave. 115 Powell Blvd. Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Apt. 14102 847-857-1792 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 fatblindguy@gmail.com 386-576-6413 sandymcdan01@yahoo.com 2nd Vice President Assistant Tourn. Dir. Joyce Spencer Mike Staab 2809 Herndon Village Way 1424 Dormont Ave. Unit 101 Pittsburgh, PA 15216 Raleigh, NC 27610 chewy1424@aol.com 919-796-5090 Miss_joyful_joyce@yahoo.com Secretary/Treasurer Tournament Statistician Rozella Campbell Terrell Jones 2829 Tall Oaks Ct. Apt. 11 803 Nestleway Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Greensboro, NC 27406 248-410-2411 336-337-7131 rozellacampbell@yahoo.com Jones.terrell23@yahoo.com Assistant Secretary – Awards Rail Managers Belinda Steele John Mavis Detroit, MI 48219 1101 S. Meridian Ave Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Alhambra, CA 91803 313-319-6200 Lmavis@sbcglobal.net Assistant – Robert Kenz robertkenz@verizon.net ABBA COMMITTEE CHAIRS & MEMBERS Finance Committee Fred Nickl- Chair Frank Tucker 111 S. Dwyer Ave. 909 Westmount Drive Arlington Heights, IL 60005 Alhambra, CA 91803 847-857-1792 626-282-9969 fatblindguy@gmail.com Tuckers909@gmail.com Tonia Koo Judy Jeter 244 Banning Road 1031 Howell Drive Cincinnati, OH 45239 Vinton, VA 513-729-1975 540-556-3489 TKOO@Cinci.RR.com Thomas Lester 19146 Ardmore Detroit, MI 48235 313-864-0448 Tlester52@att.net Legislative Committee Joyce Spencer – Chair Linda McClary 2809 Herndon Village Way 1194 Kinglet Ct Unit 101 Eagan, MN 55123 Raleigh, NC 27610 ggeziouise@yahoo.com 919-796-5090 Miss_joyful_joyce@yahoo.com Ernest Sherrill Sharon Williams 67 Charles Lane 1333 W. 59th Street Pontiac, MI 48341 Chicago, IL 60636 248-332-5605 773-474-8025 Saw45mad14@sbcglobal.net Janice Erkilla 5253 42nd Ave. S Minneapolis, MN 55417 612-722-3041 rerkilla@comcast.net Public Relations Committee Tanya Wilson – Chair Rodriguez Best 555 Windy Hill Dr. rodriques.best@gmail.com Winston Salem, NC 27105 tatarenee1@gmail.com Geoff Stephens Blind Bowler- Editor geoffste@gmail.com Mario Diming 1333 W. 59th Street Chicago, IL 60636 773-474-8027 Mario 902010@sbcglobal.net Robert Wright- Webmaster  2201 SABLE BLVD.UNIT 1003 Aurora, CO 80011 720-289-4655 wrightsiphone@gmail.com National Tournament Committee Linda Keeney – Chair Linda Hoepner 1232 N. El Centro Ave #A 8114 Oakland Ave. So Los Angeles, CA 90038 Bloomington, MN 55420 323-467-6263/323-388-3040 952-888-6783 JCMavis@gmail.com lhoepner1@gmail.com Amy Giddings Rules Interpretation & Enforcement Committee Kathy Brockman- Chair Wilbert Turner - Interim Chair 2735 S. 61st Street 3041 EAST 121st Milwaukee, WI 53219-3002 Cleveland, OH 44128 Kathybrock1@sbcglobal.net 216-561-6864 wo.turner5@sbcglobal.net Walter Burmeister  Rozella Campbell 5314 S. Springfield Ave. 248-410-2411 Chicago, IL 60636 (773)-767-1724 Esther Dickerson Sandy McDaniel 7004 Calvin Ct. 412-304-8590 Fort Washington, MD 20744 estherdickerson@msn.com Nominating Committee Robert McDonald –Chair TBA 7232 South Ridgeland Chicago, IL 60640 773 – 255 - 3121 Ridgeland72@sbcglobal.net Past Presidents Committee Chairperson: Robert McDonald Members: All Past Presidents Fundraising Committee Wilbert Turner – Chair Robert McDonald- Chair Editor’s Welcome Well it’s that time of the year again, where some bowlers are happy that the season has started back and other are not happy at all and thinking the offseason wasn’t long enough. Unfortunately, for the ones that are not happy, at least you can take it out on the pins and lanes for some friendly competition in your league. This season we are heading back to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for our 72nd Annual National Tournament. This will be an amazing and fun tournament for everyone. You will receive some information about the tournament in this issue of the Blind Bowler as well as some updates for different committees from the ABBA. Have fun reading and enjoy your bowling season. ~Mario Diming, Editor~ President’s Letter Dear ABBA Members, Looking back over the summer and realizing how much fun we all had in Vegas. Now it’s about to be a new season. We look forward to the hospitality that we will find in Pittsburgh for this upcoming national tournament in May 2019. We have a lot of things to do as an organization and I look forward to working with everyone. If you have not already gotten Cara raffle tickets for the Pittsburgh experience raffle, please talk to your league secretary or contact Michael Staab with the Top Cat blind bowlers. I would like to invite everyone to the first membership meeting to be held on Tuesday, November 6 at 9 PM Eastern Time. The call-in number will be 515-739-1015 and the access code would be 484921771 pound sign. Shortly after the membership conference call would be the major meeting in Pittsburgh. It would be nice to have a member from each league represented at the mid-year meeting this year. So, all the secretaries and life members and anyone who reads this letter, please talk to your league about sending a representative to the meeting. I hope to see you there at the mid-year meeting in Pittsburgh in November. If we do not meet, then I hope to see you at the lanes in Pittsburgh. Let’s continue the fun we had in Las Vegas and roll it into the Steel City for another great tournament. Let’s try to have over 400 bowlers at this year‘s national tournament. Look forward to serving every member in the organization this year. Good luck and good bowling and talk to you soon. Sincerely, ~A.J. Inglesby, President~ From the Desk of the Secretary Treasurer WELCOME TO THE 2018 – 2019 BOWLING SEASON!!! SPECIAL REQUEST: FOR ALL WHO KNOW THE POWER OF PRAYER, PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR PRAYERS: Walter Burmeister LM (Historian for ABBA), Kathleen Brockman LM (records minutes like no other) along with all who are/have experienced those who have be impacted by weather conditions, whether hurricanes, tornados, or flooding. Leagues, MBBA & SBBA Secretaries, Active Life members, Officers, and Tournament Directors received: The Average Book, August Packet, inclusive of information and forms needed for the new season. The August Packet was also sent to some wanting information on starting a league. We regret we have been unable to supply rails to some, yet we are still asking any league or members with used rails they are willing to donate or sell to please contact the Secretary as soon as possible. > A few reminders (especially for new secretaries) * Minutes should be maintained for all league meetings. * A prize list should be approved by the league at least by the 5th week of the bowling season. It can be amended at a later date. * The fiscal year for ABBA is August 1st through July 31st of the following year. * Leagues should review and update their by-laws or constitution on an annual basis per ABBA bylaws Article IV, Sec. 3. Policy Statement F-3, Financial Reports From Member Leagues, approved in November 2011: Leagues under ABBA’s 501(c)3 status must submit a brief Fund Raising Guideline explaining how the proceeds will be used. This information should be recorded in the meeting minutes. The league’s fund-raising guideline should be sent to the ABBA Secretary-Treasurer if the league plans to raise more than $1,000 in a year. That amount does not include prize money. * League secretaries must file the 990 EZ form with the IRS each year. If this is not done, the league is removed from the list of ABBA leagues covered by the nonprofit status. Leagues not covered under the 501(c)3 status do not have to follow this procedure. * 2018 Mid-Year Board Meeting – Thursday, November 15 – Sunday, November 18, 2018, Hotel, Sheraton Pittsburgh, at Station Square. Reservations can be made now by calling 800-325-3535 * Convention/Tournament, May 29 – June 3, 2019 * Mid-year & National Tournament hotel information is the same, (difference), cutoff date for the mid-year is (Oct. 15, 2018) * Hotel – Sheraton Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square. Phone – 800-325-3535. Must identify yourself as a member of ABBA to receive Group rate – (Nov.) and (May) $105 subjected to a 14% tax, double/double or Double King, rate will be honored 3 days before group arrival and 3 days after group departs. * Each guest should contact the hotel at least 30 days prior to your arrival and identify yourself as part of ABBA, provide your name, request type of room and request bed type, (king, double/double/Queen, twin or suite). * Check in is at 3 pm and check out 12 noon. Anyone wishing special consideration for late checkout should inquire at the front desk on the day of departure. If a reservation must be cancelled please notify the hotel by 3 pm the day prior to arrival to avoid being billed for the first night’s stay. * When reservations are made, the hotel will require a deposit equal to the room rate and tax for the first night for each reservation. A deposit is refundable to you if the hotel receives notice of your cancellation at least 48 hours prior to scheduled arrival. Upon check-in each guest will be required to present a valid credit card on which an amount of sufficient pre-authorization can be obtained to cover the room and tax charges for the length of the guest’s stay, plus the anticipated use of the hotel’s ancillary services. * Following is information may be of interest, I will not submit this in another issue, please keep it for reference later in the season: * Our group will receive: Complimentary * in room WIFI-internet – you can upgrade for $9.95 a day * Parking, currently - $25.00 per vehicle per 24-hour period with in and out privileges, (Mike is working on getting this lowered or deleted). Mid-Year Schedule All Meetings will be held in the same room (Haselton). Board Meeting at 1 pm Saturday will be held in The Admiral room. Presently incomplete: Friday at 9 am – Finance – Fred Nickl Chair Friday at 10 am – Legislative – Joyce Spencer Friday at 11 am – REIC – Wilbert Turner Interim Chair Break for Lunch Friday at 2 pm – Fund Raising – Wilbert Turner/Robert McDonald Chair Friday at 3 pm – Tournament – Linda Keeney/AJ Inglesby Friday at 4 pm – Public Relations – Tanya Wilson Chair Saturday at 1 pm – Board Meeting – A.J. Inglesby President/Chair Tournament Director Sandy McDaniel will announce if there will be a visit to the Bowling Alley. MEMBERS WHO ARE NOT A PART OF A COMMITTEE, YOU ARE WELCOME TO SIT IN THE ROOM AND LISTEN TO THE COMMITTEE BUT PLEASE REMEMBER YOU ARE A VISITOR. IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS, PLEASE GIVE THEM TO THE CHAIR AFTER THE MEETING. PLEASE DO NOT DISRUPT ANY COMMITTEE MEETING OR YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE. WATER WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN THE ROOM. You will be given a schedule for May as we get closer to that event. Hopefully no one will contact the coordinator and add to our schedule before notifying the Secretary or President and in some cases bringing it before the Board. Lunch – On Your Own. Have not heard if Midwest will be conducting their famous “invited guest only” luncheon. Check with Thomas Lester, Walter Burmeister and Jeff Hawkins Mid-Year Meeting - REMINDER * Leagues are entitled to representatives (1 for every 4 blind & sighted members) Each league also entitled to 1 Director who can vote at the Board meeting * Please return your “Credential” sheet stating the name of your Director. And list your representatives. A list will be made with those who qualify as Director/ representative. * Checks – please do not ask for your stipend on Sunday. It will be mailed within a week after the Mid-Year Meeting. All Chairs must present a list of those who qualify for a stipend with addresses or I will send all checks to the Chair to be distributed to your members. We have lost some leagues due to deaths or various things happening in the life of members, but on a more positive note, we have some new leagues forming. People across the country have asked to purchase rails, especially the VA facilities. Some wanted the procedure for ordering. We are going to try and make sure this is on our website. 1 – State number of rails needed – include location, receiver, addresses & phone number. 2 – Will reply with total cost inclusive of shipping. 3 – Send a check or money order made out to ABBA – 2829 Tall Oaks Ct., Apt.11, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (we do not take credit cards). 4 – Upon receipt of money, the rail manager will be contacted to ship rail/s. Turnover time is approximately 7 days. Prices of rails are subject to change this season. Corrections not previously sent from the August Packet and Average Book August Packet * RIEC – Wilbert Turner – Interim Chair of Committee AWARDS NOT LISTED IN THE APRIL BLIND BOWLER PLUS 60/75/100 over Name VS Avg Bowled League Brittany Sterling PF 66 128 Milwaukee Beer Barrels Chris Faber TM 29 113 Harrisburg Diane Ruffcorn TF 40 101 Herbert Everett TM 42 108 Raleigh Outlaws Kim Schoefeld TM 65 130 St. Louis Pinsplitters Marvin Cole TM 92 179 Chicago Spare Chasers Shawn Bangsund TM 82 142 Minneapolis Blind Bowlers Ulysses Garcia TM 55 130 West Side Blind Bowlers Scott Trapasso SM 167 235 St Louis Pinspliters Van McLean Sr. TM 76 156 Raleigh Outlaws Andy Green PM 130 213 Baltimore Emmitt Neeley SM 169 246 Chicago Spare Chasers Eric Meyers SM 163 242 Colorado Blind Bowling Association George Morris SM 146 242 Chicago Spare Chasers Jerry Ragsdale PM NA 193 Durham Pin Devils Jimmy Feldman SM 115 191 Cincinnati Blind Bowlers Marcus Sands PM 155 237 Colorado Blind Bowling Association Mike Reoderick PM 145 220 Rock County Railers Stan Griffith PM 135 212 Harrisburg Vicki Elvidge NA Felicia Drakeford SF 125 205 Chicago Spare Chasers Peter Elvidge PM 96 196 Minneapolis Blind Bowlers Joe Sperling TM 65 177 Baltimore Bronze Medals Name VS Avg Bowled League Elaine Vinning SF 162 226 Minneapolis Blind Bowlers George Holliday TM 112 183 Delaware Valley Blind League Herbert Everett PM 156 212 Raleigh Outlaws Joyce Spencer PF 139 190 Raleigh Outlaws Lonnie Cunningham PM 158 217 Gate City Blind Bowler Latiesha Adams PF 118 192 Raleigh Outlaws Maggie Ostrowski TF 88 153 Top Cats Michael Edwards PM 133 219 Raleigh Outlaws Silver Medals Name VS Avg Bowled League Elaine Vining SF 165 235 Minneapolis Blind Bowlers Ester Crawl-Bey SF 165 235 Greater Cleveland Blind Bowlers Herbert Everett PM 157 226 Raleigh Outlaws Henry Butler Jr. TM 42 125 Greater Cleveland Jimmy Clemons SM 181 269 Chicago Spare Chasers Mark LoRusso TM 119 183 Colorado Blind Bowling Association Mike Staab PM 166 244 Top Cats Sandra Anderson SF 127 206 Greater Cleveland Blind Bowlers Vanessa Pitts SF 158 240 Chicago Spare Chasers Split Conversion Chevron Pon Lucas SF 156 4.6.10. Daytona Beach Blind Bowlers Rick Jones PM 127 7.10. Gate City Dorene Siler F split (10-7-6-4) Triplicate Chevron Name VS Avg Bowled League Joni Jones PF 81 101 (3X) Milwaukee Beer Barrels If you were still missed, I will list you in the next issue. Please note: Regardless of the award being submitted, all information needs to be supplied, (reason for the NA by names). Once again, Jackie can be either male/female and although the award is for a Triplicate, I still need the average. Please supply all information on all forms, thank you. I am available by phone, email or text (except Sundays/ Holidays) 248-410-2411, Email rozellacampbell2826@gmail.com (I check mail daily, except Sunday/Holidays.) ~Rozella Amerson Campbell, Secretary Treasurer September 2018~ Midwest Blind Bowling Association Hello all members, Congratulations to the winners of this year’s High 3 Games Series for 2018. This year we had more than last season. Thanks to all the league secretaries who kept track of the numbers, making sure their bowlers got the prizes they were due because of great bowling. Checks will be mailed Aug. 6, 2018. Any questions let me know ASAP. Name Div Sex Total Over Prize League John Clark P M 595 $25.00 Chicago Peace Breakers Loren Lopez T F 272 143 $25.00 Chicago Peace Breakers Brentin McDonald S M 601 223 $25.00 Chicago Peace Breakers Kenny Cooks S M 598 202 $25.00 Chicago Peace Breakers Vanessa Pitts S F 576 $25.00 Chicago Spare Chasers Jamie Clemons S m 716 $25.00 Chicago Spare Chasers Emmitt Neely S M 683 $25.00 Chicago Spare Chasers Jeremy Clemons S M 670 $25.00 Chicago Spare Chasers Odell Chast S M 535 142 $25.00 Chicago Spare Chasers John Lenk T M 408 $25.00 St Louis Rail Rollers Walter Almquist P M 620 $25.00 Metro Blind Bowlers Kevin Fitzpatrick S M 672 $25.00 Top Cat Blind Bowlers Mike Stabb P M 579 $25.00 Top Cat Blind Bowlers Maggi Ostrowski T F 338 $25.00 Top Cat Blind Bowlers Develle Baldwin T M 437 $25.00 Motor City Blind Bowlers Richard Jorgensen T M 429 $25.00 Chicago Alba Peter Jorgensen S M 654 $25.00 Chicago Alba Larry Wos T M 435 $25.00 Chicago Alba Joe Lanier T M 407 $25.00 Chicago Alba Bill Jorgensen S M 710 $25.00 Chicago Alba Evell Jones P M 667 $25.00 Chicago Alba Janice Erkilla T F 332 $25.00 Minneapolis Keaith Pitts S M 659 $25.00 Chicago Spare Chasers Jimmy Clemons S M 672 $25.00 Chicago Spare Chasers Deon Sims S M 657 $25.00 Chicago Spare Chasers Sue Konieczny S F 450 120 $25.00 Milwaukee Beer Barrels Cheri Steinke S F 462 123 $25.00 Milwaukee Beer Barrels Joey Froenning S M 596 149 $25.00 Milwaukee Beer Barrels Joni Jones P F 375 141 Plaque Milwaukee Beer Barrels ~Submitted by Thomas Lester, MBBA Secy. Treas.~ 62nd MIDWEST BLIND BOWLING ASSOOCIATION TOURNAMENT REPORT The Windy City Blind Bowlers (Chicago Tappers and Chicago Peacebreakers) are hosting the 62nd Midwest Tournament. The dates of the Tournament are March 14, 2019 to March 18, 2019. The hotel is the Wyndham Garden located in Schaumburg. The address is 1725 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. The phone number is 847-397-1500. Wyndham Garden has 200 rooms. The rate for the King is $87.00 per night plus 15% tax and for Doubles $95.00 per night plus 15% tax. A credit card or $250 is requested upon check-in. Reservation cut off is February 12, 2019. There will be a hot breakfast buffet each morning. The bowling alley is Arlington Lanes, located at 3435 Kennicott Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. The phone number is 847-255-6373. Arlington Lanes has 40 lanes, snack bar, bar, and game room. There will be a dance on Saturday Night. More information to come. ~Submitted by Sharon Williams, Secretary of Windy City Blind Bowlers Public Relations Committee Hello everyone. I hope you had a great summer and you are excited about the 2018-2019 bowling season. The Public Relations Committee will continue to work on spreading the news about our organization and the sport of blind bowling. We will continue to increase our presence on social media. Please remember that the quickest way to receive the blind bowler newsletter is to have Mario Diming add you to the email distribution list. Feel free to email Mario or myself at tatarenee1@gmail.com. Please put blind bowler in the subject line. Thank you to all the committee members for your hard work and enthusiasm. More information will be in the next issue. ~Submitted by Tanya Wilson, Public Relations Chair~ National Tournament Committee Hello from Pittsburgh,   I hope everyone is getting excited for the 2019 National here in Pittsburgh. I know we are. Along with the ABBA Tournament committee and the Sheraton Hotel, we are looking forward to making this a tournament that you will never forget. There are great restaurants such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Texas De Brazil, Buca di Beppo and more, serving steak, Italian, Japanese, seafood and more. Sightseeing tours, such as The Gateway Clipper, incline rides, and The Just Ducky tour, which guarantees you a "Quack in" good time. The Ducky Tour is not just a tour, it is an adventure. And do not forget the Fountain at Bessemer Court, which has a water fountain firework show that shoots water 40 feet in the air with music. Which is located in the heart of Station Square. You can say Station Square is a 2-acre block party and we are invited to the party. Everything is located just outside the hotel’s front door. Also, there is gambling at the Rivers Casino just across the river. The hotel shuttle will take you there and pick you up. You can visit the website "pittsburghstationsquare" for more details.   There will be a 10% discount for bowlers and guests for shuttle service to and from the airport to the Sheraton Station Square. Shuttle service is good for the Mid Year meeting in November and the Tournament in May. To reserve the shuttle call 412-322-8507 and the code number is X8RCT. Also let them know that you are with the American Blind Bowlers Association to get the discount rate.   Time is running out to purchase your raffle ticket(s) for the drawing in November. Winner is to be our guest at the National Tournament with some amazing prizes, such as round trip Sudan shuttle service to and from the airport for you and a guest, 4 night hotel during your stay at the tournament, bowling entrance fee paid, dinner cruise for you and a guest, Just Ducky Tour ride for you and a guest and a Sunday brunch for you and a guest at the Grand Concourse restaurant. Over an $800 value for only $5. Winner does not need to be present. All proceeds of the raffle tickets support the National Tournament Fund for the 2019 National Tournament in Pittsburgh. I still have some tickets left and will have them to sell prior to the Mid-Year meeting, which is Saturday November 17th. So get in touch with me and purchase a ticket. You cannot win if you do not purchase a ticket. The Sheraton Hotel and Station Square are located just across the river from Downtown Pittsburgh and are only a minutes away.  Cannot wait to see you all at the Tournament. Come enjoy our "Party in Pittsburgh"!!!! You will not want to miss it.    ~Mike Staab, ABBA Tournament Committee Nominating Committee A letter from the Nominating Committee, Now is a time for change. Now is a time for difference. The only way we can make changes is to elect people who can make a difference. The best way for this to happen is to show up in Pittsburgh for the national convention in May of 2019. This year we have many positions opening in the ABBA. Like I’ve always said, we never know who can do what until we ask. The positions that are opening are President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President and Secretary / Treasurer. If you feel you have the qualifications for any of these positions, please contact me and I will notify you of the details for each position. Let’s show up and make some changes to ABBA. We need your help to make a difference in the blind bowling community. ~Robert McDonald, Chairperson Nominating Committee ABBA Past President A letter from the Past President Committee, The opportunity is here for you. If you have never attended an ABBA National Tournament, please contact me. Many, many years ago, Past President Linda Kenny established the Wayne Kenny award. This is given to bowlers who have never attended an ABBA National Tournament and can show a hardship with wanting to attend a tournament can apply. Last year, Develle Baldwin of Motor City won the award. He received support toward attending last year’s tournament in Las Vegas where he got to experience many different things that he never experienced in his life. So, to possibly get the same chance, please talk your league secretary and get the application and contact me. ~ Robert McDonald, ABBA Past President Chairperson Fundraising Committee The Fundraising Committee will be opening a candy store. The goal is to raise $20,000 this bowling season. All league secretaries will be sent the link to place an order for Nuts, Dried Fruit and other candies. We ask all members to share this information on your social media outlets like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, so your friends and family may also use this site to order these great items. This is a great opportunity for us to raise some funds for our organization, especially as Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, Special Events and Birthdays, always make items like these great Gifts. Please go to the following website and check it out! https://americanblindbowling.terrilynncares.com/ ~ Wilbert Turner, Chairperson Fundraiser Committee ABBA Life Member I was so thrilled  to be named ABBA’s 44th Life Member at the 2018 Tournament Convention in Las Vegas.  I will continue to work for the good of this organization to the best of my abilities.  Thank you so much for this great honor.    ~Linda Hoepner, ABBA 44th Life Member Wayne D. Kenney Foundation To the people at the Wayne O. Keeney Foundation: My name is Develle Baldwin and I was this year’s recipient of the Keeney grant. As a result of this grant, I not only was able to attend the ABBA National Blind Bowling Tournament for the first time, but I was able to experience other things as well. First off, I have never in my life been on an airplane. I get it; if you’ve never flown before, you may want to start with a much shorter flight than I was on. However, there was no warming up in the bullpen for me, so to speak, I got straight in the game. LOL. I was extremely nervous about my three and a half hour flight at first, but after sleeping for two and a half hours of this flight, I pretty much breezed through it. The next awesome thing for me going to Las Vegas for the tournament was the added bonus of seeing my family that I haven’t seen in some years. My uncle had moved out to Vegas about three years ago and it was so nice to see him again. Also, I had no idea that a few of my cousins had moved out there, around the corner from my uncle, and I got a chance to visit with them for the first time in over ten years. As for the tournament itself, I also had a ball. The venue that hosted the event, South Point Casino and Spa, was fabulous, as it contained any and everything I wanted to do, without leaving the hotel. I didn’t win any money bowling in the tournament but I was just happy that I didn’t totally bomb like I did in my local state tournament, which I also bowled in for the first time earlier that month. So now that I got my first national tournament under my belt, I am totally looking forward to next year in Pittsburgh. Another added bonus, albeit on a much more personal note, was the fact that I went on this trip to Vegas and my godsister was allowed to tag along with me. She passed away last month, unexpectantly, so I was completely broken by this. However, looking back on how much fun that the both of us had while in Vegas, I was comforted by the fact that she did experience some happy moments with me a few months before she left this world. All and all, I had an absolute wonderful time In Las Vegas for this year’s ABBA National Blind Bowling Tournament and I can’t thank the people at the Wayne O. Keeney Foundation enough for helping to make these experiences possible for me. ~ DeVelle Baldwin, 2018 Wayne O. Keeney Foundation Recipient Remembering “Mr. ABBA” - Wally Burmeister This is “déjà vu” for me. Several years ago I was asked to write an article for The Blind Bowler when our good friend Trude Ketterer from Pittsburgh passed away. This truly is sad to lose another good friend. Wally Burmeister, from Chicago, passed away on September 22, 2018 at age 87. He will be remembered by many in ABBA.   Shortly after Wally passed away, Rozella sent an email mentioning some of Wally’s skills. He knew more about ABBA than anyone else and either had the statistics in his head or could look it up in his voluminous braille records. That goes for tournament attendance, prizes lists – anything you needed. He could remember incidents, changes in rules, regulations, policy statements, by-laws – and when they occurred.   I don’t know of anyone who had the depth of knowledge, statistics, records, etc. as Wally. He was one of my mentors when I was getting involved with ABBA – and yes, Wally was my “go to” person for information and advice as well. When I was ABBA President, Wally was my “go to” person as Parliamentarian; no one knew those procedures as well as he did.   Besides serving ABBA, Wally was Secretary-Treasurer for MBBA for many years. Yes, he kept meticulous records. He bowled with the Chicago Braille Center league and several others as well. No matter where he was involved, Wally was a resource. His late wife Angie was an ABBA life member and won many 1st place trophies at ABBA tournaments. The gold medal for a totally blind woman was named for her by the Past Presidents’ Committee.   Wally and I shared many meals at tournaments, mid-year meetings as well as phone calls talking about ABBA business –sports and politics too. We’ve lost two Past Presidents now this past year. We’ll miss “Mr. ABBA” as Rozella called him. Rest in peace, Wally. THE LOST OF AN AMAZING WOMAN! The Windy City Blind Bowlers (Chicago Peacebreakers and Chicago Tappers) is remembering our member Mary Anne Thompson. Mary Anne was a member of the Midwest Blind Bowling Association as well as the American Blind Bowling Association since 2012. She started bowling with the Chicago Sparechasers, then the Chicago Peacebreakers, as well as subbed with the Chicago Tappers. Mary Anne was a diligent member of all these leagues. When the Windy City Blind Bowlers was formed to host the 62nd Annual Midwest Tournament, Mary Anne worked very hard to make sure the fundraisers were a success. In fact, Mary Anne worked on a fundraiser idea the day that she passed. Mary Anne will truly be missed. ~Sharon Williams. Secretary Windy City Blind Bowlers CLOSING WORDS FROM EDITOR I really hope that everyone found the information shared in this issue very informative. If you have any questions or concerns about the information shared or the layout of the Blind Bowler, please contact me so we can have discussions about this. The deadline for articles for the January edition will be December 15th. Please try and meet this deadline date for articles so it will not be any delays for the January issue. You can email your articles to me at Mario 902010@sbcglobal.net or mail them to me at 1333 W. 59th Street Chicago, IL 60636. I can also be reached at 773-474-8027 ~ Mario Diming Blind Bowler Editor~ 11