When she was 13, Deborah Vincenzes's mother suggested bowling together. That day, they bowled 12 games each and Vincenzes never looked back, making bowling more than a hobby - a lifestyle.
Today, Faxon Bowling rests in the capable hands of Vincenzes, and it is doing well there, too.
"I have been working here since I was 16-years-old. I was a junior bowling coordinator, not only for Faxon Lanes, but I actually coordinated for the state under the Youth Bowling Association. I coordinated the patches that the kids got and awards for the whole state," Vincenzes said.
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SHAWNA TURNER/Sun-Gazette
Deborah Vincenzes began her bowling journey at 13 and today it has become more than a job, it has become a lifestyle.
Over time, Vincenzes began taking on more responsibility at the bowling lane to eventually become its general manager. Her passion is carried over into the complex.
Beginning in its early days as a bowling alley on East Third Street in Loyalsock Township, it began in a facility that was once a car dealership, according to Vincenzes.
After the facility burned to the ground in 1967, it moved to its current location at 1225 River Ave.
"They rebuilt at this location the same year and were open for league bowling starting that Fall. When they rebuilt, they added lanes, going from a 16-lane house to a 20-lane bowling center. They added pool tables and back then it was a state-of-the-art bowling center in the area," Vincenzes said.
As the years progressed and business continued, it came a time for more updates as the last build was beginning to get out dated.
"Back in 1989 or 1990, we started a remodeling project and we knocked down walls and totally remodeled the place. We got rid of the pool room. Now, we have a bar and restaurant area, an arcade, a front party room that is also our Wii room. We just upgraded everything," Vincenzes said.
Today, Faxon Bowling is considered a state-of-the-art facility as far as bowling centers are concerned, according to Vincenzes.
Not only is the atmosphere ideal, but the facility has a lot to offer, including league bowling, family nights, asteroid bowling, parties for kids and adults, many television sets, a bar and restaurant, fundraising opportunities and interactive lane games, to name a few, according to Vincenzes.
There are many league options to choose for the family, adults or children.
"We run leagues from the end of August through the end of April or the beginning of May. There is a combination of men's leagues, ladie's leagues and mixed leagues. Most start at six o'clock, but we do still have some 9 p.m. leagues," Vincenzes said.
There are also league options for younger bowlers.
"We have a junior bowling program that bowls after school and on Saturday mornings. It is a program that the kids can join and are given bowling instruction and learn about the game as well as bowl in a league just like the adults do every week," Vincenzes said.
With the program, the kids have chances to win scholarships and prizes, according to Vincenzes.
The bowling center also does a lot of programs with senior citizens, according to Vincenzes.
There is also a players club program, which is a rewards program that allows customers to accumulate points each time they visit the bowling center. The points may be used purchase certain themed merchandising items or a Best Buy gift card.
For more information on the business, its Web site is www.faxonbowling.com
