June 12, 2021 ( As published in the ARUSBC Annual Membership Meeting Booklet)


Thanks for attending today's Appomattox River USBC Annual Membership meeting.  I would like to thank Holiday Bowl and Jeff Wilmoth for making this meeting possible.


The 2020-2021 bowling season has been like no other bowling season because of the COVID-19 virus and the restrictions forced on all of us to try and control the spread of it.  Bowling centers were first ordered closed and then later were allowed to open with reduced capacity and other restrictions.  Leagues had to change normal procedures, USBC modified playing rules, and ARUSBC had to make changes and adjustments to accommodate the new restrictions.  USBC has lost about 50% of membership and ARUSBC has lost about 29% of membership.  The good news is the resumption of summer leagues is happening and COVID-19 restrictions are slowly being lifted.


I am pleased to report, despite loss of funds, ARUSBC is still raising funds for charities, still maintaining the awards programs for youth and adults, and still conducting tournaments for our members.  Our services to our membership has not been reduced.  Some changes in the format of some tournaments were made to increase participation.


Today we will be voting for officers and directors, Joe Shelton and Steve Nugent have decided not to seek election and they will be greatly missed.  There will also be a vote on reducing the number of directors on the Board.  Please raise you hand for recognition if you have any questions or comments.


Thank you for supporting the sport of bowling.


Jerry Womack


August 1, 2020  ( As published in the ARUSBC Average Book)


The 2019-2020 bowling season has not closed as I write this letter due to COVID-19.  Some leagues voted to resume their season after the bowling centers were allowed to open on a limited basis.


The COVID-19 virus has destroyed the bowling season for the leagues, bowling centers, and the personal lives of everyone.  All non-essential business were ordered closed and everyone was to stay at home.  The Governor's list of essential businesses is debatable, as some made no sense at all, and all other businesses were ordered closed.  The closing of bowling centers in our area was painful as most are family owned and do not have the resources of large corporations.


The COVID-19 virus has had a negative impact on our ARUSBC finances as several tournaments and fund raising events were canceled.  All Board meetings, the Annual meeting, and the Secretaries Workshop have been canceled.  All ARUSBC board members will retain their positions until the next annual meeting is held.  Hopefully, a Board meeting can be held soon to decide on tournaments, the Hall of Fame and other pressing matters.


Now for the good news -- ARUSBC did raise $4,000 for the BVL disabled veterans and $450 for Bowl For The Cure charities for the 2019-2020 season.  The bowling centers are open on a limited basis for the 2020-2021 season.  The leagues and bowling centers have a huge challenge finding the best way to accommodate leagues with the reduction of lanes available.  I have faith in our bowlers and bowling centers that they will find a way to make it happen and we can get back to enjoying the sport we all love.


I strongly believe this COVID-19 virus will pass and in the end we will survive, we will get better, and we will be stronger for it.


Thanks for supporting the sport of bowling.


Jerry Womack





August 1, 2019  (As published in the ARUSBC Average Book)


The 2018-2019 bowling season has closed.  Adult and youth tournament participation continues to increase, the ARUSBC youth program remains strong because of the work of the Youth Committee and participating bowling centers, and the BVL Tournament successfully raised $4,200 for our disabled veterans.  The ARUSBC spent $6,137 for awards for the 2018-2019 season and a total of $53,584 for the awards since 2009 when the Appomattox River USBC was formed.  The 2019-2020 season will be the tenth anniversary for ARUSBC.


Unfortunately, Nottoway Lanes remained closed for the 2018-2019 season due to the car damage repairs, and The Bowling Alley management has decided not to hold ARUSBC tournaments.  I have talked to them about their issues, which will be presented to the ARUSBC Board of Directors, and hopefully the issues will be resolved and The Bowling Alley Management will reconsidered their decision.  The Bowling Alley has always been a great partner in our tournaments and I would hope that could continue.


I am pleased to announce Roy Becker (Superior Performance), and Wade Watkins (Meritorious Service) will be inducted into the ARUSBC Hall of Fame.  The induction ceremony date is not firm at the time.


A warm welcome to newly elected ARUSBC Youth Director Destiny Hairfield.   The ARUSBC Board of Directors is anxious to have your views, advice and input to improve service to our bowlers.


I would like to  thanks Robby Phillingane and Dewey Bently for their years of service on the Board working with the youth.  Robby is resigning for personal reasons and Dewey is resigning for work related reasons.  Both have been dedicated to the youth and will be greatly missed and hard to replace.  They both indicated they will still be working with the youth bowlers as much as they can.


Thanks for supporting the sport of bowling.


Jerry Womack