Nov. 29, 2023 By Rachel Butler
A New York City-based women’s bowling club is celebrating their 50th anniversary with a tournament that will take place at Jib Lanes Bowling Alley in Flushing next month.
The New York State Women’s 600 Bowling Club was founded in 1973 and is open to any female member of the New York State United States Bowling Congress (USBC) who is over 18 years of age and has previously bowled in a sanctioned league or tournament play. A 600 series refers to three consecutive games with a combined score of 600 or better.
Club member and Regional Director Shirley T. Williams, who first joined the club in 1980 and was inducted into the NYSW 600 Club Hall of Fame in 2006, said she loves the community that she was able to build with the club.
“Not only do we bowl in leagues together, but we have gone on trips to the state tournaments and even the nationals,” Williams said. “I remember in the early years, all the ladies in the women’s leagues would put up 25 cents per week, and the first person to bowl a 600 series would win the pot,” she added.
Williams still bowls twice a week in the United Queens and Wednesday Nite Timers leagues, both of which bowl at Jib Lanes, located at 67-19 Parsons Blvd. in Flushing.
The New York State Women’s 600 Bowling Club will hold its Region 8 (New York City and Long Island) Tournament at Jib Lanes from Dec. 9 to Dec. 10, with two squads of bowlers playing at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on both days.
Many of the club members have gone on to become some of the best bowlers in the northeast.
Hermie Hannibal, a New York City USBC Hall of Fame member, has previously participated in New York State Women’s 600 Bowling Club tournaments and is a favorite to win this year’s event.
Jib Lanes General Manager Marlon Enriquez is thrilled to host the tournament once again.
“We hope to welcome many NYSW 600 Club members this year as the club celebrates this important milestone,” he said.
For more information on the New York State Women’s 600 Bowling Club and how to become a member, visit their website.