Eastern Shore Lanes General Announcements

7/28/2008 Lanes open wide for disabled bowlers
Eastern Shore bowling alley redesigned to allow complete wheelchair access

By Bill Kerbin, Staff Writer Worcester County Times

POCOMOKE CITY -- Watching a wheelchair-bound bowler trying to maneuver himself into the restroom at the Eastern Shore Lanes one night was a turning point for the facility's owner Tommy Fitzpatrick.

"That opened my eyes," said Fitzpatrick as he recalled the incident involving a young regular at his bowling alley on Route 113, who was left bound to the wheelchair after a car accident.

The result is a total remodeling of Eastern Shore Lanes.

Fitzpatrick said after that incident, he began to think about what he could do to make the bowling alley more accessible to physically disabled patrons.

He said he traveled to other lanes to see how they handled the situation, but did not like what had been done in those facilities.

"So I designed it (the improvements) myself," he said.

He said he added about 3,000 square feet to the facility and made the building wheelchair accessible. All areas leave openings that are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through. There is a counter that is not only low enough for a wheelchair, but has space underneath so that the occupant can pull up to the countertop.

Before the redesign, there was a large step from the counter area to the bowling lanes. That step has been eliminated so that the entire surface is level. Also there are tables at the lanes that are accessible to wheelchairs. All 16 lanes are now wheelchair accessible, said Fitzpatrick.

All the restrooms are wheelchair accessible to the point that they can be rolled up to the sinks. There is an extra large space in each of the restrooms.

One of his visitors offered a suggestion for changing the parking lot also to make it more accessible, he said.

Many of the handicapped spaces at businesses are located directly in front of the doors or very near to the doors. This time the spots are at the end of the line to make them more van accessible. Also there is a total of five spots, although only two are required.

After reading an article by Paul Rendine, the chairman of Disability Advocates of Delmarva, Fitzpatrick decided to show him the renovation plans.

"He fell in love with the plans," Fitzpatrick said.

And Rendine said Fitzpatrick had done "a fantastic job. He did the right thing without being told."

The facility now attracts several groups with disabled members who come out and use the alley.

Students at Cedar Chapel school in Snow Hill are regular users and a group from Somerset County came recently with 14 members in wheelchairs.

"I am dedicating these improvements to Joey Ferrell (the bowler who inspired him to make the improvements)," Fitzpatrick said.

Schools from Accomack, Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico counties also come to Pocomoke City to bowl. There is a state tournament coming in May that will bring about 1,000 women to Pocomoke City.

"I actually run four businesses out of this building," Fitzpatrick said. They include a restaurant (he added a complete new kitchen in the renovations), a pro shop, an arcade and, of course, the bowling alley.

Story by Bill Kerbin 410-957-1700 or bkerbin@dmg.gannett.com

Photo by Peter J. Casey

Originally published Thursday, February 1, 2007 in the Worcester County Times

Eastern Shore bowling alley redesigned to allow complete wheelchair access

By Bill Kerbin, Staff Writer Worcester County Times

POCOMOKE CITY -- Watching a wheelchair-bound bowler trying to maneuver himself into the restroom at the Eastern Shore Lanes one night was a turning point for the facility's owner Tommy Fitzpatrick.

"That opened my eyes," said Fitzpatrick as he recalled the incident involving a young regular at his bowling alley on Route 113, who was left bound to the wheelchair after a car accident.

The result is a total remodeling of Eastern Shore Lanes.

Fitzpatrick said after that incident, he began to think about what he could do to make the bowling alley more accessible to physically disabled patrons.

He said he traveled to other lanes to see how they handled the situation, but did not like what had been done in those facilities.

"So I designed it (the improvements) myself," he said.

He said he added about 3,000 square feet to the facility and made the building wheelchair accessible. All areas leave openings that are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through. There is a counter that is not only low enough for a wheelchair, but has space underneath so that the occupant can pull up to the countertop.

Before the redesign, there was a large step from the counter area to the bowling lanes. That step has been eliminated so that the entire surface is level. Also there are tables at the lanes that are accessible to wheelchairs. All 16 lanes are now wheelchair accessible, said Fitzpatrick.

All the restrooms are wheelchair accessible to the point that they can be rolled up to the sinks. There is an extra large space in each of the restrooms.

One of his visitors offered a suggestion for changing the parking lot also to make it more accessible, he said.

Many of the handicapped spaces at businesses are located directly in front of the doors or very near to the doors. This time the spots are at the end of the line to make them more van accessible. Also there is a total of five spots, although only two are required.

After reading an article by Paul Rendine, the chairman of Disability Advocates of Delmarva, Fitzpatrick decided to show him the renovation plans.

"He fell in love with the plans," Fitzpatrick said.

And Rendine said Fitzpatrick had done "a fantastic job. He did the right thing without being told."

The facility now attracts several groups with disabled members who come out and use the alley.

Students at Cedar Chapel school in Snow Hill are regular users and a group from Somerset County came recently with 14 members in wheelchairs.

"I am dedicating these improvements to Joey Ferrell (the bowler who inspired him to make the improvements)," Fitzpatrick said.

Schools from Accomack, Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico counties also come to Pocomoke City to bowl. There is a state tournament coming in May that will bring about 1,000 women to Pocomoke City.

"I actually run four businesses out of this building," Fitzpatrick said. They include a restaurant (he added a complete new kitchen in the renovations), a pro shop, an arcade and, of course, the bowling alley.

Story by Bill Kerbin 410-957-1700 or bkerbin@dmg.gannett.com

Photo by Peter J. Casey

Originally published Thursday, February 1, 2007 in the Worcester County Times

8/5/2008 Saturday Morning Youth League Saturday Morning Youth League is almost here!! Sign up on Sept 6th @ 1000 AM. League starts on Sept 13th. Seniors Division age 13 & up start at 10:45 AM. Junior Division age 8 to 12 start @ 8:30 AM. Alley Cats and Alley Gators age 3 to 7 start at 8:30 AM. Openings available in all divisions.

Saturday Morning Youth League is almost here!! Sign up on Sept 6th @ 1000 AM. League starts on Sept 13th. Seniors Division age 13 & up start at 10:45 AM. Junior Division age 8 to 12 start @ 8:30 AM. Alley Cats and Alley Gators age 3 to 7 start at 8:30 AM. Openings available in all divisions.

8/18/2008 SUMMER ITEMS COLD CUT SUB AND ROAST BEEF WILL BE LEAVING US TIL NEXT SUMMER. ALSO WE NOW SERVE NO CHOLESTEROL LIGHT MAYO BE SURE TO REQUEST WITH YOUR ORDER IF DESIRED. BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR NEW FALL/WINTER SPECIALS COMING SOON...

COLD CUT SUB AND ROAST BEEF WILL BE LEAVING US TIL NEXT SUMMER. ALSO WE NOW SERVE NO CHOLESTEROL LIGHT MAYO BE SURE TO REQUEST WITH YOUR ORDER IF DESIRED. BE ON THE LOOK OUT FOR NEW FALL/WINTER SPECIALS COMING SOON...

8/18/2008 Fall / Winter Leagues Fall/Winter League season starts August 24, 2008. We are currently seeking new members for all leagues. Adult leagues are Sunday through Friday and the youth leagues are Saturday mornings. All leagues run for 32 weeks. For specific details on a league, go to LEAGUE BOWLING page and pick a league. If you have any questions contact mike@easternshorelanes.com or use the contact us link at the top of the web page.

Fall/Winter League season starts August 24, 2008. We are currently seeking new members for all leagues. Adult leagues are Sunday through Friday and the youth leagues are Saturday mornings. All leagues run for 32 weeks. For specific details on a league, go to LEAGUE BOWLING page and pick a league. If you have any questions contact mike@easternshorelanes.com or use the contact us link at the top of the web page.

9/6/2008 Wi-Fi Free Spot Bring your wireless internet capable device to Eastern Shore Lanes and share our broadband internet connection. For Free!

Bring your wireless internet capable device to Eastern Shore Lanes and share our broadband internet connection. For Free!

10/3/2008 FRIDAY NIGHT LASER BOWL & TEEN SPECIAL If you are 13 - 19 and looking for a fun, inexpensive evening. Come out and join us every Friday night, 9:30 till close, for our "TEEN SPECIAL". 1 game, shoe rental, slice of cheese pizza, sm fry and a Lg. soda for only $10.00, and $1.00 off our regular rate on all additional games!! Proof of age required. Due to popular demand this special has been extended through December 31st.

If you are 13 - 19 and looking for a fun, inexpensive evening. Come out and join us every Friday night, 9:30 till close, for our "TEEN SPECIAL". 1 game, shoe rental, slice of cheese pizza, sm fry and a Lg. soda for only $10.00, and $1.00 off our regular rate on all additional games!! Proof of age required. Due to popular demand this special has been extended through December 31st.

10/8/2008 Wed Night Special GREAT FAMILY VALUE Bowl with us on Wed from 6-10 pm and get $1.00 off our regular rates on all games for your entire family!!! Also order any Sub/Sand and Fries and receive a free LARGE SODA with our bowling special!!!!

GREAT FAMILY VALUE Bowl with us on Wed from 6-10 pm and get $1.00 off our regular rates on all games for your entire family!!! Also order any Sub/Sand and Fries and receive a free LARGE SODA with our bowling special!!!!

10/20/2008 tropic sale sale

sale

10/31/2008 LASER BOWL LASER BOWL Saturday November 8th & 22nd 9PM to Close. Smoke machine, Black lights, robotic lights all synchronized to a great variety music. JUST ADDED---music videos on two 42 inch Plasma TVs in the bowling area and a 5ft by 6ft pull down screen over the lanes!!

LASER BOWL Saturday November 8th & 22nd 9PM to Close. Smoke machine, Black lights, robotic lights all synchronized to a great variety music. JUST ADDED---music videos on two 42 inch Plasma TVs in the bowling area and a 5ft by 6ft pull down screen over the lanes!!

11/1/2008 ESL GIFT CARDS Holidays are quickly approaching. Eastern Shore Lanes, GIFT CARD makes a great gift! Available in any amount. Purchase one at the front desk today.

Holidays are quickly approaching. Eastern Shore Lanes, GIFT CARD makes a great gift! Available in any amount. Purchase one at the front desk today.