Suffield Parks and Recreation Bowling Buddies BBQ Banquet

Suffield Parks and Recreation Bowling Buddies BBQ Banquet Was A Blast!

Written by: Donna Carney-Bastrzycki-Special Programs Coordinator-Suffield Parks and Recreation Department

The annual season end banquet for the Parks and Recreation Department’s Bowling Buddies Group was held at Sunrise Park on Thursday, May 17. We had a Luau party theme and transformed the Pavilion at Sunrise Park into a “Tiki Hut!” The weather ended up being perfect for the party despite the huge storm that had rolled through on Tuesday when we were originally going to have the party. The tropical atmosphere was terrific for the BBQ, Luau and awards ceremony at beautiful Sunrise Park. Everyone dressed in beach/tropical attire and sang and danced the evening away as volunteer DJ-Kevin Landolina spun great music. Sunrise Park is the perfect spot for special reunions and parties like this!

The Bowling Buddies group practices diligently for thirty weeks at Bradley Bowl. The season starts in September and ends with the season end banquet in May. Many athletes in the group also participate in two Special Olympics tournaments during the year and represent Suffield exceptionally while bringing home many awards. The banquet was held to recognize the dedication and hard work of the athletes and Special Partners. Each athlete received a trophy to recognize his or her impressive athleticism throughout the year highlighting the highest score they achieved during the season. The overall team winners were also awarded with plagues. The team-“Give It Up”-Aland Krupa, Michelle Kopec, Patti Kopec and Mary Ellen Katfiasz were the overall winners for the 2nd year in a row! Russ Weaver receive the Overall High Game Score-246 for men and Amanda Rabideau-180 for women. Eric Haas was awarded the outstanding sportsmanship plaque. Everyone really loved the delicious BBQ, music and awards ceremony in a fun, tropical environment.

Many thanks to the volunteers and Special Partners who help throughout the year and everyone that helped with the banquet. Special Thanks to DJ-Kevin Landolina, Bernice Hollander and the many volunteer Special Partners that make this program possible. We also want to thank Bradley Bowl (now called Spare Time) for the donation of high quality trophies and plaques each year for the group. Award in More in Enfield also does an incredible job of helping us with our trophies.

If you are interested in participating as an athlete or volunteering as a Special Partner for the 2018-2019, please contact-Donna Carney-Bastrzycki, Special Programs Coordinator at 668-3862.

Photo Credit: Richard Chabot