Rab's Country Lanes

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Adam Abdelaziz surges to top of leaderboard as Staten Island Singles Classic qualifying ends

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Adam Abdelaziz made a statement on the final day of qualifying in the Staten Island Singles Classic Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes as he moved to the top of the leaderboard with a huge performance.

Abdelaziz, who is Showplace Bowling Center house pro Vinny D’Ambrosio’s protege, uncorked an 817 scratch series with games of 237 and pair of 290s. That alone would have put him in the lead, but add his 12-pin handicap to his scratch series and he finished with an 829 gross set.

Abdelaziz, who is a Susan Wagner HS product who helped the Falcons win the city crown in 2012 and 2013, will lead a field of 24 qualifiers into Saturday’s finals at 2:30 p.m. at Rab’s.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE TOP 24 QUALIFIERS

Last week’s co-leaders, Brandon Sach and Sean McAuliffe, dropped to second place at 802 each. Kelcey Fisher ended qualifying fourth with an 800 gross series, while Anthony Arias placed fifth with a 798.

Two-time defending champion Jeff Scire (795) wound up sixth, but should be tough to beat in the finals.

Brandon Sach, Sean McAuliffe surge into Staten Island Singles Classic qualifying lead

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Brandon Sach and Sean McAuliffe each knocked over 802 pins to share the lead Sunday after the second weekend of qualifying in the 43rd Staten Island Singles Classic at Rab’s Country Lanes.

The two, both bowling scratch, took the lead from first-weekend leader Anthony Arias, who now sits in fourth with a 798 set.

Kelcey Fisher, bowling with a 30-pin handicap, is third with an 800 series.

Two-time defending champion Jeff Scire found his way on the leaderboard by rolling a 795 scratch series, which currently places him fifth. Scire won in 2018 and 2019. The pandemic canceled last year’s event.

Co-tournament director Eric Capizzi reported that the turnout for the second weekend in the Donnie Walters’ run event was “surprisingly good” and the winner of the event will be guaranteed $1,000.

Qualifying concludes Saturday (April 17) at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. each day. The top 24 finals will be held April 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Entry fee is $60.

Anthony Arias bolts into Staten Island Singles Classic lead

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Anthony Arias bolted into the lead after the first day of qualifying in the 43rd Staten Island Singles Classic Saturday at Rab’s Country Lanes.

Arias, bowling scratch, uncorked a 798 series.

Marco Recchia is in second position with a 787 set (784 scratch), Michael Vlassenko is third (770 gross) and is followed by Jason Wichnovitz (756) and Nicholas DiTomasso (756).

Donnie Walters, the founder of the Staten Island Singles Classic, couldn’t attend opening day, but promises to be there next week.

“I heard it went well,” said the 73-year-old Walters. “There were a lot of people there that I worked with at Maple Lanes. For me, it’s more of a social event and not so much a bowling tournament.”

The tourney took a hiatus last year because of the pandemic.

Qualifying continues April 10-11 and April 17 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. each day. The top 24 finals will be held April 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Entry fee is $60.

After missing a year because of the pandemic, the Staten Island Singles Classic is back

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Three-time Staten Island Singles Classic champion Rob Vinci is interviewed by tourney founder Donnie Walters during the 40th anniversary 2017 event at Rab’s Country Lanes. (Staten Island Advance)

By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

It pained Donnie Walters to have to cancel what would have been the 43rd annual Staten Island Singles Classic last year because of the pandemic.

For 42 years prior to that, the event was a staple in the local bowling community and one that always went off without a hitch.

But, this year, with the news surrounding the pandemic getting better, the 73-year-old Walters decided to proceed with the event.

“I couldn’t miss it two years in a row and I think the bowlers want to see it back,” said Walters.

Qualifying in the Classic will take place at Rab’s Country Lanes on April 3, April 10-11 and April 17 at 1, 3 and 5 p.m. each day for a total of 12 qualifiers. The top 24 finals will be held April 24 at 2:30 p.m.

Entry fee is $60. Those keglers who compete in the first squad will receive a second entry for the cost of lineage ($15) only.

With lanes at a premium because of the pandemic, spots in the first qualifier are sure to go fast.

“I made some changes. I’m not guaranteeing the prize fund,” explained Walters. “It will be based on entries.”

With his tournament sidekick, John Eadicicco, now living in Florida, Walters will rely on help from Eric Capizzi, Garett Gersh and Mike Giovinazzo.

“Eric is associated with Country Lanes and Garett is associated with Showplace so I have representatives from both Island houses helping me out,” said Walters.

Country proprietor Frank Wilkinson has also “been a big asset” to Walters in helping get this year’s event off the ground.

Walters said competitors in the tournament will have to follow the pandemic protocols of Country Lanes at the time of the tourney.

“It’s house rules,” said Walters. “The state and city laws are changing all the time when it comes to the pandemic. Right now, I believe the bowlers would have to wear masks on the lanes.”

Red-hot Jeff Scire is the two-time defending champ, winning in 2018 and 2019.

Island bowler Jeff Scire makes fools of Father Time, pins at Country Lanes

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By Joe D’Amodio | damodio@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the full story

At age 47, Staten Island kegler Jeff Scire is certainly not an old man, but what he’s accomplished on the lanes the last month or so one would think he was 25 years old again.

Need proof? He’s currently riding a streak of three 800 series in the Monday Night Draft League at Rab’s Country Lanes, a loop which consists of the area’s top keglers.

Scire’s thundering bowling has produced area-code series of 815, 807 and 809, respectively, since March 1.

“I do not recall a time where a bowler has achieved such a feat,” said Country proprietor Frank Wilkinson, who also competes in the loop. “Maybe (Vin) D’Ambrosio in a season where he averaged 250 for 77 games.

“In the 09-10 season, Derek Gilbert was on quite a streak, finishing the season with a 241 average in the Scratch League. That season he had four 800-plus series and five 300 games across the several leagues he bowled in.

“Ryan Friend had a two-week streak in the 12-13 season with an 803 and 837.”

But Scire’s current bowling could be better.

In all, Scire, the author of 117 career perfect games, has rolled five 800 series in this third of the prestigious Draft League season, which is broken down into three, 12-week seasons. That’s five 800s in seven weeks, including three straight. He has rolled a total of seven 800s the entire Draft League season.

And Scire has no idea why he is bowling so well.

“I really don’t know. I just think it’s a hot streak,” said the Woodrow resident. “Ever since I stopped playing baseball three years ago I’ve averaged in the 240s. I averaged in the low 230s for 30 years before that. I think by not playing baseball — where I was a catcher — has helped my knees and my back. They don’t hurt anymore.”

After Monday night’s performance, the righty is averaging 245 over 57 games this season, according to Wilkinson. In the 57 games, he has rolled one 300 and flirted with perfectos three other times, twice rolling a 299 and a 296.

“To put this into perspective, the United States Bowling Congress’ men’s national high average for the 2019-2020 season was Charles Easton of Sylvania, Ohio, who posted a 256.5 average for 84 games,” noted Wilkinson, the former president of the USBC. “Jeff’s highest season average is 248 for 99 games in the 17-18 season.”

Two of his latest three 800s came against his good friend and rival, Sean McAuliffe, who was practically raised on Victory Lanes, the now-defunct Island center his family owned.

“It’s very impressive to watch him not only compete and dominate over the years but continue to get better,” said McAuliffe. “He’s the king of Country Lanes for sure. But three 800s in a row in (this) league is crazy and he can definitely go for four or more.

“I remember Jimmy Terlizzi shooting three 800s in a row years ago and that was unheard of. Jeff is currently averaging 245 and I’m having a great year as well averaging 243, just trying to keep up with him.

“We’re both very competitive so it’s gonna be fun to see how we finish out the year. The Draft League is the best league around right now with bowlers like Dan Dunleavy, my brother Timmy, but a lot of the big names on the Island haven’t made the jump yet to join the league. I guess they don’t think they can keep up with us.”

Wilkinson called Scire a fierce competitor with loads of determination.

“There seems to be no slowing down for him,” said Wilkinson, the son of the late Rab Wilkinson, one of the Island’s all-time great keglers. “He’s been bowling as if he’s on a mission, and that mission with no doubt is striking, a lot.”

Scire knows he’s doing something good when he gets complimented by his older brother, Dennis, a former Islander, who bowls in the Draft League as well.

“He never has anything good to say about what I do,” said Jeff with a laugh. “But he can’t believe how I am bowling right now.”

As for this coming Monday night, Scire is hoping to knock over 800 or more pins for a fourth straight time.

“It’s all about the first game,” said Scire. “If you can get off to a strong start and then all of a sudden you have a chance. And then if you bowl a good second game, you start doing the math.”

Staten Island Economic Development Corporation and Office of NYC Council Member Steven Matteo Unveil Public Art to Boost Neighborhood Charm

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Staten Island, N.Y. – The Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) and David Carr, Chief of Staff for New York City Council Member Steven Matteo, unveiled the SIEDC’s latest public art installation at Rab’s Country Lanes, a bowling alley and entertainment center located on Staten Island.

Located at Rab’s 1600 Hylan Blvd. address, the installation is a colorful 10’.5”x10’ mural that features a pair of wings encompassing the names of Staten Island neighborhoods. Borough residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the installation, take photos and upload them to social media tagging @SIEDC.

“We are thrilled to provide the community with a creative way to celebrate Staten Island,” said Cesar J. Claro, President and CEO of the SIEDC. “Rab’s Country Lanes is the perfect location for our latest art display. Passersby – including bowlers – can stop for a quick photo opp to show some love and support for their hometown.”

Public art is just one way the SIEDC works to improve neighborhood charm and build community throughout the borough. Through Business Improvement Districts and Merchant Associations, the SIEDC advocates for much-needed services including private maintenance and security, signage and way-finding information, and beautification initiatives such as holiday lights, new trash receptacles and more.

About the SIEDC
The SIEDC’s mission is to enhance a thriving Staten Island economy by promoting public and private investment, and encouraging the development of commercial and industrial property and projects in an environmentally friendly manner, all of which improve the quality of life and provide broad and diverse employment opportunities.

CHSAA crowns individual bowling champions for the first time in two years

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St. Peter’s freshman Joe Guarnieri and Notre Dame Academy senior Nicole Rourke captured the CHSAA boys’ and girls’ individual championship crowns, respectively, on Thursday at Rab’s Country Lanes.

By Nick Regina | nregina@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click here for the full story

Bowling balls were rolling, shoes were squeaking, and pins were clanking at Rab’s Country Lanes on Thursday, where the CHSAA individual bowling championships were held for the first time in two years.

Last year’s event was cancelled out by the pandemic, though high school keglers filled the lanes on Thursday, albeit while social distancing and donning face masks, for three fast-paced, competitive games to determine who would be crowned individual champions of the boys’ and girls’ circuits, respectively.

Each of Staten Island’s Catholic high schools was represented by its top four bowlers at the event.

When it was all said and done, St. Peter’s freshman Joe Guarnieri (636) and Notre Dame Academy senior Nicole Rourke (512) emerged victorious — becoming the Island’s first CHSAA individual champions since 2019.

Monsignor Farrell’s Vin Guido and Zach Labaneh finished second and third, respectively, among the boys, while St. Joseph Hill’s Alexa Cordato and NDA’s Camryn Burns rounded out the top three finishers on the girls’ side.

“It feels really good. My freshman year I wanted to make an impact and get noticed,” said Guarnieri, who did just that. “I struggled with team play this season, but when singles came around I popped up.”

Guarnieri fired off impressive games of 233, 245, and 158, though he admits he felt pressure coming in.

“There’s a lot of pressure as a freshman, but good, consistent bowling paid off with my confidence,” he explained. “I expected to place high, but I didn’t expect to win.

“We expect a lot of him, he came in with a reputation for being an extremely good bowler,” acknowledged STP coach Pat Calchi. “He really impressed and showed great skills.”

Guarnieri, who has bowled nearly his entire life, entered HS with a proven track record, and hopes to one day turn pro — but on the other side of the lane, senior Nicole Rourke took a very different path.

Rourke, the daughter of 2018 Staten Island USBC Master’s Champion Kevin Rourke, did not begin bowling competitively until last year — but tossed games of 184, 183, and 145 on Thursday.

In that time, she raised her average by approximately 40 pins, and led all CHSAA girls with a 163 average this season.

“I’m excited, I put in a lot of work,” said Rourke. “I couldn’t have done it without my teammates and coaches.

“I just made sure I threw it where I needed to, straight down the lane,” she added.

NDA coach Terry Hart witnessed her ascension through the ranks firsthand.

“Nicole grew up in a bowling family, but she never really bowled until her junior year,” said Hart. “She’s improved so much. She’s the team captain and she just exploded this year.”

 

Rab’s Weather Alert: Winter Storm

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UPDATED 2/18/2021, 1:15 PM

Due to the Winter Storm, Rab’s will close at 5:30 PM on Thursday February 18, 2021.  We will re-open at 11:00 AM on Friday February 19th.

The following leagues/programs are cancelled:

  • THURSDAY: Thursday Afternoon Ladies
  • THURSDAY: Rab’s Team Gold Practice
  • THURSDAY: McGuire / Richmond County American Legion Men’s League
  • THURSDAY: Thursday Night Mixed
  • THURSDAY: Splitz Co-Ed Mixed
  • FRIDAY: Friday Morning Breakfast
  • FRIDAY: Our Lady Star of the Sea Ladies

We will have available lanes all afternoon until closing at 5:30 PM.  Follow us on twitter and facebook for the most current updates and changes to our schedule/hours of operation, @bowlatrabs.com.

Women’s Bowling Makes Program Debut; Defeats No. 7 Mount St. Mary’s In Baker Match

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Staten Island, NY – The Wagner College women’s bowling team earned the program’s first-ever victory as the Seahawks bowled against fellow Northeast Conference (NEC) member and No. 7 ranked Mount St. Mary’s on Thursday afternoon from Rab’s Country Lanes.
Click here for the full story and to follow the Lady Seahawks Journey

Wagner and Mount St. Mary’s were pitted in a traditional, a Baker, and a best of seven Baker match this afternoon as the Seahawks finished the day 1-2.

Match I – Traditional (Mount St. Mary’s 1006, Wagner 880)

  • The Seahawks and Mountaineers opened up Thursday’s event with a traditional 5 vs. 5 format.
  • Amanda Medvetz led the way for the Seahawks in the opening match, rolling a team-high 219.
  • Anelise Terrano shot a 194 while Totiana Miranda (167), Jessica Fetik (159), and Amanda Burdett (141) rounded out the scoring.
Match II – Bakers (Wagner 965, Mount St. Mary’s 901)
  • Wagner quickly rebounded from the traditional format with a victory in the team’s first-ever baker match, defeating the Mountaineers by 64.
  • The Seahawks won three straight games and four out of five in clinching the bakers, 179-168; 220-181; and 186-169, which secured the five-game baker set.
  • Miranda threw eight strikes in a row in propelling the Seahawks to victory.
Match III – Best-of-Seven Bakers (Mount St. Mary’s 4, Wagner 0)
  • The Mountaineers shrugged off their performance from match two in taking all four games in the best-of-seven Baker format.
Baker Averages:
  • On the heels of her eight strikes, Miranda led Wagner with a 21.7 baker frame average.
  • Medvetz (18.8), Terrano (16.8), Fetik (16.4), and Victoria Shaw (15.0) rounded out the Seahawks’ performance this afternoon.

Post-Match Interview:
Head Coach Joseph Ambrose:

Opening Statement…

  • “It was awesome to lead our team in the first-ever competition here at Wagner. To get our first win today against a top-10 program and a school who is currently first in the NTCA Power Index Ranking, is a tremendous milestone for our athletes and our program,” head coach Joe Ambrose said.”
On the team’s tone and emotions this afternoon…
  • “Our teams works really well together and there wasn’t a hint of hesitation in helping one another today. Their selflessness was instrumental in us having a great first day on the lanes.”
On adjustments made from following the traditional match…
  • “We really didn’t have to adjust too much after the first match. Mount St. Mary’s bowled great. We did make a few lineup adjustments in baker, which worked out very well.”
Closing Statement…
  • “In match three, we couldn’t execute on the changing lanes and will have to do a better job of that on Friday, but, overall, it was a very successful first day in the history of the Wagner bowling program.”

Up Next:

  • Wagner will be back on the lanes Friday afternoon for the first-ever Seahawk Invite, in which the Seahawks will face off against the same Mountaineers and the LIU Sharks.

Lots to Love about Valentine’s Day Public Art Photo Booth Unveiled by Staten Island Economic Development Corporation

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SIEDC announces photo contest to put Staten Islanders in the running for $500 Gift Card to Buono Jewelers

Staten Island, N.Y. – Love was in the air on Hylan Boulevard as the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), in collaboration with NYC Council Member Steven Matteo, Rab’s Country Lanes and Sweetbrook Nursery and Garden Center, unveiled a new public art installation: A fun and festive Valentine’s Day Photo Booth designed to bring the community together while supporting local business.

The Valentine’s-themed, 4’x6’x8′ natural wood booth was hand-crafted by Steve Korkowski, President and CEO of Sweetbrook Nursery & Garden Center. Located outside Rab’s Country Lanes, 1600 Hylan Blvd., the colorful red and pink booth is covered on top and has side panels to provide protection from the elements. It is free to use and open to the public for photos from February 1 to 14.

No significant other? No problem! Staten Islanders can take a photo alone, with a friend, family member or even a pet. All that’s needed is a smartphone and love for Staten Island.

“Our Valentine’s Day Photo Booth is a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy a safe outdoor experience,” said Cesar J. Claro, President and CEO of the SIEDC. “Together with our partners Council Member Steven Matteo, Sweetbrook Nursery & Garden Center and Rab’s Country Lanes, we are thrilled to provide the community with a creative way to celebrate the season of love. Our hope is that Staten Islanders stop by the booth for a fun photo opp as they explore the many stores and dining spots located nearby.”

As part of the unveiling, the SIEDC announced a photo contest that gives Staten Island shutterbugs a chance to win a $500 gift card for Buono Jewelers. To participate, participants must take a creative photo inside the booth and upload it to Instagram or Facebook, tagging @SIEDC and using #SIEDCVDAY. The SIEDC will pick the winning photo based on creativity and flair, so participants are encouraged to dress to impress and let their personalities shine through.*

Public art is just one way the SIEDC works to improve neighborhood charm and build community throughout the borough. Through Business Improvement Districts and Merchant Associations, the SIEDC advocates for much-needed services including private maintenance and security, signage and way-finding information, and beautification initiatives such as holiday lights, new trash receptacles and much more.

More information about SIEDC public art installations, BIDS and Merchant Associations is available at siedc.org.

*Photo Contest Disclaimer:

Must be 18 years or older to enter. Participants will be judged on most creative photo by the SIEDC Projects Management Team. Any photos received after the assigned dates will not be considered. Winners will be notified through Instagram message. The winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries and announced on or before February 15, 2021 before 11:59pm EST. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by or associated with Instagram. SIEDC reserves the right to cancel or amend the rules of the contest without giving prior notice or reason.

About the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC)

Since 1993, the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC) has served as the lead advocate for economic development on Staten Island. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, SIEDC’s mission is to enhance Staten Island’s economy by promoting public and private investment, and encouraging responsible and sustainable development, all of which improve the quality of life and provide broad and diverse employment opportunities in the borough.

SIEDC has been responsible for over $550 million in new investment, the creation of over 3,500 jobs and the development of over 1,000 acres of vacant industrial land by providing assistance to developers and companies implementing projects in the borough, while at the same time serving the smallest entrepreneur and small business owner with tailored financing, procurement, and real estate assistance.