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Valley senior bowlers keep on rolling
BOARDMAN
Age doesn’t stop Richard and Mildred Brooke, 92 and 88, respectively, from doing what they love: bowling.
The couple, who competed in a Senior Olympics of Northeast Ohio regional bowling event this week, have participated in Senior Olympics events for more than a decade and have bowled in leagues since the 1950s after they were married and began to work.
They remain active in a senior bowling league at Camelot Lanes.
“There is nothing like bowling. You meet people and make friendships that last for years and years. Plus, it gets you out of the house,” Mildred said with a laugh.
“I love bowling, but I like all sports,” said Mildred, who played basketball in high school and in an adult softball league.
The Brookes were married Nov. 18, 1943, at home, and Richard left for the Army on Nov. 27, 1943. He served until 1947 at Fort Bragg, N.C., where he tested weapons in the field-artillery unit, she said.
Richard worked for Coca-Cola Bottling Co. before he went into the Army andworked 37 years at F Ivan
Law Concrete Construction for 37 years until he retired. Mildred worked at the Youngstown YMCA in downtown Youngstown from 1948 to 1950 and then for 35 years at Plakie Toys.
They live on Stratmore Avenue in Boardman in the same house they bought in 1950.
“When we like something, we stay,” Mildred said.
The Brookes were joined this week by a number of bowling friends and acquaintances, including Lista Mellott, 92, of New Waterford, and her bowling partner, John Chapman of New Springfield.
“It’s great exercise, and you make many friendships,” said Mellott, who has bowled for 50 years.
Sandy and Sam Smith drove from Akron to participate in the Senior Olympics event. “We just like to bowl,” Sandy explained.
Chapman and Mellott took the gold medal in the doubles competition, and the Brookes won the silver medal.
People who are interested in participating in the Senior Olympics or in getting on the mailing list can call 330-505-2300 for information, said Lisa Solley, chief of community relations, wellness and training for the Area Agency on Aging 11, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road SE, Niles.
The Area Agency on Aging has sponsored local and state Senior Olympics for almost 30 years.
“The message is that you are never too old to start exercising. The worst thing that we can do as we age is become inactive. It’s important to get up and move,” Solley said.