OCTOBER, 2009

                 Rhinelander’s very own Hodag greeted everyone to the 36th Annual Tournament of the Wisconsin State 600 Bowling Club.  The opening ceremonies were held on Saturday, October 24, prior to the first shift.  Sharon Cline, tournament manager, thanked everyone for entering and participating.  She then introduced Mayor Dick Jahns, who assured us of a good time in Hodag Country.  Kim Swisher, Director of the Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce welcomed everyone to the city of Rhinelander on behalf of all their business owners.  Eric Lapczynski, Operations Manager of Hodag Lanes, extended his wishes for high scores and a great time!

             Cub Scout Pack 672, led by LoraLee Jensen, presented the American flag.  Participating scouts were Clayton Phister, Justice Ring, Kody Price, Keaton Jed, and Trevor LaForge.  Everyone said the Pledge of Allegiance and our national anthem was sung by K-See Daugherty, a member of the Northwoods Association and an employee of Hodag Lanes.  We had a moment of silence in honor of those who sacrifice for our freedom.  Sharon then introduced State 600 Club president Shirley Hoffman, who also thanked everyone for entering this tournament.  She then presented the State Board of Directors.  Janet Singer, tournament manager for the 2010 tournament, encouraged everyone to enter next year and travel to Marshfield and visit the Rose Bowl.

             The honor of throwing out the first ball of our tournament was given to Vicki Larson.  Vicki has been a member of the Rhinelander 600 Club for 19 years.  However, she was not to be found when it was time to start!  Luckily, the Hodag offered to take her place.  After delivering the ball, it was revealed that Vicki was under the Hodag costume all along!  The shift announcements were given; practice time for the bowlers; and we were off and running!  Good Luck!  Be sure to check the website for weekly updates! 

             Following the opening of the tournament, our Board of Directors held their meeting.  The first order of business was to approve the prize list for the tournament.  We have 109 participants in our first year of the scratch division for singles.  We then approved the tournament entry for the 2010 Marshfield tournament.  Fees for next year’s tournament will be $30 per bowler for singles, doubles and all-events. 

             The Board of Directors established a new award in honor of Glenora Thompson, who passed away on October 8th of this year.  She was a charter member of this club and served as director, vice-president and secretary-treasurer over a span of 20 years.  The largest tournament this club has ever had was held in Plover, part of the Wisconsin Rapids Association, under the leadership of Glenora.  She was a wonderful lady and will be greatly missed by this board and by her many bowling friends.  The Glenora Thompson Award will be given to the bowler with the High Handicap Game in Singles.  We also donated $50 to the JKS fund in her memory.

             There will be a couple of changes to our tournament rules.  Effective with this year’s tournament in Rhinelander, multiple participation will be allowed in doubles only.  Bowlers will be allowed to sub for doubles in emergency situations only.  Your first appearance will count for all-events.  A bowler may not be listed on two entry forms.  October 1st will continue to be the deadline for entries.  Beginning with the Marshfield tournament in 2010, late entries will be accepted.  You should always call Arlys for availability if sending in a late entry.  There will be a $5.00 per person late fee, and the entry must be postmarked prior to the opening of the tournament. 

             If you would like to host the 2011 tournament, simply pick up the association and proprietor bid forms at the tournament site.  We also have sheets available to help you in your quest to make some money for your group.  Forms are also available from our State 600 Club secretary, Arlys Bourdage, N6305 Highway 107, Tomahawk, WI  54487.  The deadline for submitting bid forms to the president, with copies to the secretary, is February 1st, 2010.  President Shirley Hoffman’s address is:  1158 Waterloo Street, Columbus, WI  53925-1842.

             The next Board of Directors meeting will be held on Friday, March 12th in Baraboo.  Our Annual Meeting will be on Saturday, the 13th, at 7:30 am.  A continental breakfast will be available at 7:00 am at a cost of $3.00 per person.  Trophies for the 2009 tournament will be presented to the winners at this meeting.  We hope that all winners will attend and accept our congratulations in person! 

Up for election at the 2010 meeting will be Secretary-Treasurer and Director #1.  If you are interested in running for a position on the board, please contact the nominating committee for 2009-10, Cory Hoffmann, 4235 Thunder Lane, Rhinelander, WI  54501, or Janet Singer, 2322 South Wallonnie Drive, Marshfield, WI  54449-5346.  The deadline for submitting nomination papers for 2010 is January 15, 2010.  We hope you have a great time in Rhinelander and we also hope you plan on joining us in Baraboo in March!