GUESTS: Dave Moore, guest of Randall Haltom. Tracy Tanley our guest speaker.
FINES: John Knipp and Doug Foss were our Sergeants. Randall Haltom, Harley Macklin and Scott Potucek were fined for talking and guilt by association. Guy Gann was fined for trying to run down John Knipps wife. John then preceded with trivia questions about the Fabulous Flippers band that once played Hutchinson regularly. The Sergeants closed out with a pin check.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: Board Meeting at 6:15 AM.
PROGRAM: Kathy Hanks introduced Tracy Tanley, General Manager of The Alley. The Alley began following the closure of Countryside Lanes. Tracys dad started working at Countryside Lanes as a mechanic and later became Manager. Tracy started working at Countryside Lanes at age 14. She also bowled while attending KU then stopped bowling for several years to raise a family. Joma Bowling Company purchased the equipment of Countryside Lanes. Tracy approached Joma for a manager position should a new bowling alley be built in Hutchinson. Not only did she get her wish for her dream job she also got much of the equipment from Countryside Lanes. This proved to be a mixed blessing because the older bowling equipment, while being very well built, had deteriorated over time and needed rebuilding. The Alley has done this and it will be ongoing. The Alley has 20 lanes plus 6 additional lanes in a separate Back Alley which can be booked for private parties. They also offer arcade games, laser tag, bumper cars and AJs sports bar. Most traveling league competitions want 24 lanes close together and they really didnt build the Alley to cater to this group. While league bowling was the bread and butter of the former Countryside and Riverside lanes the Alley was built mainly for local users and visitors to our city. Today it is more casual infrequent groups. They also specialize in hosting events such as birthday parties, after-school parties, church rentals, corporate parties and fundraising. Party hosts oversee these events. The Alley also provides many job opportunities for local youth. If you havent been in to see the new facility I urge you to go and see it. It is quite different than the bowling alleys of the past.
Lucky Ace Drawing: Steve Conard Jack of Clubs for $5.
Newsletter Drawing: Stan Macgirvin didnt read his newsletter.
Newsletter question: For $20In what bowling alley did Tracy get her start?
Next Meeting: Kathy is gone 4/14 so it may be impromptu. A special guest for 4/21.
Editor: Steve Conard