Rab's Country Lanes

1600 Hylan Boulevard Staten Island, NY 10305   |   Phone: 718-979-1600    

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They all had a ball at Rab Wilkinson Foundation’s inaugural ‘Bowling and Live Music Event’ to support local veterans

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Dawn Paolillo dances with Korean War veteran Charles Navarino during the Bowling & Live Music Event to Support Local Veterans at Rab’s Country Lanes, Dongan Hills. (Courtesy/Frank Wilkinson)Staten Island Advance

By Carol Ann Benanti | benanti@siadvance.com
silive.com | Click Here for the Full Story

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Rab Wilkinson Foundation-sponsored “Rock ‘n Bowl for Veterans” staged Sunday at Rab’s Country Lanes directly benefits members of the military through projects and programs.

The afternoon of live music, raffles and other fun activities saw five popular Staten Island bands rock the house and take center stage on the lanes, including DOC Holiday, Johnny Fish and the Fins, Radio Waves, American Cover Story, and Kismet.

“This unique event brings bowling and music together for a full day of fun to give back to those who gave so much to us.,” said Rab Wilkinson, foundation chair, and Rab’s proprietor, Frank Wilkinson. “The event honors all who have served, and of course, all of those who continue to serve. My father, Rab, served our country proudly through service in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1964 in Chalons Vatry, France. The inaugural event honored his service along with all of those from Staten Island who have sacrificed for our freedom.”

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College Signings: Maya Avilez is ready for the next level

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New Dorp senior Maya Avilez is flanked by PBA Hall of Famer and former Staten Island resident Johnny Peraglia and New Jersey State Bowling Hall of Famer Leslie Bohn after signing a National Letter of Intent to attend North Carolina A&T. (Courtesy of New Dorp HS)

By Charlie De Biase Jr. | debiase@siadvance.com
Staten Island Advance | Click here for the full story

It’s July, which means the 2020-21 school year is finally in the rearview mirror.

And some local student-athletes are not only planning to play on the collegiate level beginning in the fall, but will be leaving for their new homes pretty soon.

In the meantime, the Advance/SILive.com will once again share the good news with our readers.

And to boot, College Signings 19 includes various sports. In fact, we’ve got four different sports in this edition, including one on the Division 1 level.

We also have a number of past commitments in recent months at the bottom, including the previous 18 College Signings.

Give another look at them as well, if you wish.

Maya Avilez signed a National Letter of Intent to attend North Carolina A&T on a full women’s bowling scholarship.

The 17-year-old Avilez picked up the game after hitting Rab’s Country Lanes with her grandfather (Dr. Robert Taglianetti, DDS) as a youngster and she’s compiled a pretty impressive resume that led to earning the scholarship to the Division 1 school from Greensboro, N.C.

In fact, she competed on New Dorp’s team for two seasons before missing her senior campaign because of the pandemic. However, she currently competes in two different leagues, including the Parker Bohn III/Johnny Petraglia Scholarship League on Friday nights at Howell (N.J.) Lanes and Rab’s Junior Classic on Saturday mornings. She owns averages of 208 and 214.13, respectively, in the leagues.

Avilez is also the owner of four career 300 games.

Her connection to N.C. A&T came through Leslie Bohn, her personal coach and the wife of Parker Bohn. Leslie Bohn is best friends with the Aggies’ bowling coach and USBC Hall of Famer Kim Terrell-Kearney and that relationship helped get the ball rolling for Avilez.

“(Terrell-Kearney and I) initially exchanged emails and did a Zoom chat and last February, I visited the school,’’ said Avilez. “It took me a few months to make a decision, but ultimately I loved the school when I made the visit and decided it was the best place for me.’’

The right-handed Avilez said Terrell-Kearney was impressed with her power game.

“She definitely likes the way I throw it hard,’’ said the Concord resident. “I have more revs than most girls and it gives me more versatility than other styles of bowling.

“I also think (Terrell-Kearney and her husband, Eric), who is an assistant coach, are the nicest people. I believe they can build my game and support me to become the best bowler I can be.’’

Avilez, who plans to study Secondary Education History, also received interest from Louisiana Tech.