Bowling in The Villages.

[mtoneff]

Hello all. Hope this finds everyone enjoying the day and staying healthy. I'm not one to post on sites like this but I believe this needs to be talked about. There is no doubt we are living in strange times and no doubt we have a serious virus that is making people very sick and in some cases taking their lives. My wife and I moved to The Villages 4 years ago because we are very active and love the lifestyle here. With that being said we experienced something the other night I thought was alarming. Back home in Atlanta we played in a bowling league. But because of the pandemic, we had not even thought of going bowling here in The Villages. Well, since we have our own balls and shoes we decided to go down to Siesta Lanes last Saturday in the early evening. When we arrived more than half the lanes were open and it appeared safe. It looked like there was plenty of distance between everyone that was bowling so we decided to start a couple games. The first incident we had was the lady at the counter put a group of people right next to us when there were other lanes to choose from. We went up to the counter and ask her to please move this group a few lanes over to maintain some form of social distance. Well... to make a long story short , in about 1 hour that all went south. They allowed any and all to walk into the doors and gather in groups all over the place. Every lane became occupied with an additional waiting list of people standing around. 80% of the people had no mask. It was absolutely clear no precautions of any kind were in place at this establishment. I understand businesses need to be open and I completely support that they do. In almost all cases around the Villages our neighborhood businesses have safety measures in place. This one not only did not have any ..... It seemed they didn't care.

[Topspinmo]

I would of just left, you had hour of fun, after that not so much. Basically other people want to have some fun also. Another thing when I seen people close to me I would of immediately put on my mask, and in that situation just left. You can’t control other people or business that don’t conform to simple health authority recommendations. Another thing maybe theses was the ones that got the shots and think life is back to normal? Fantasyland.

[John_W]

They're a commercial operation that has to make a living. That's why right now golf, softball and pickleball are doing great. Wait six months on bowling, this court is open.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ee/9e/51/ee9e51e2b6fea97c8787035d021cddb1.jpg

[Mortal1]

Well it's sad you've had to curtail your activity...it's still a country of free choice and it would have been prudent if you'd have asked about adjacent lanes being occupied "before" you decided to bowl. Then you'd have avoided any issues.

As to "conform"...that's exactly why we have freedom of choice. Do what you want and don't expect others to share in your fear. The press would have you believe certain facts about the virus that are not proven, but it's your decision to enter a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.

[JoMar]

I believe occupancy is open to 100%. Mortal1 is correct in that the responsibility is yours and if you are uncomfortable you need to take the action. There are those that will not believe the facts, will interpret the facts to meet their agenda, will believe everything the press reports to be false and have no personal regard for their friends and neighbors and even their own family. We have a friend that believes as Mortal 1 does and has been very vocal about it. They informed us they were taking a vacation to the panhandle to get away from those here that are fearful. We found they were going there to get the vaccine because they didn't want anyone here to know they were doing it as it would show weakness.

[CWGUY]

Hello all. Hope this finds everyone enjoying the day and staying healthy. I'm not one to post on sites like this but I believe this needs to be talked about. There is no doubt we are living in strange times and no doubt we have a serious virus that is making people very sick and in some cases taking their lives. My wife and I moved to The Villages 4 years ago because we are very active and love the lifestyle here. With that being said we experienced something the other night I thought was alarming. Back home in Atlanta we played in a bowling league. But because of the pandemic, we had not even thought of going bowling here in The Villages. Well, since we have our own balls and shoes we decided to go down to Siesta Lanes last Saturday in the early evening. When we arrived more than half the lanes were open and it appeared safe. It looked like there was plenty of distance between everyone that was bowling so we decided to start a couple games. The first incident we had was the lady at the counter put a group of people right next to us when there were other lanes to choose from. We went up to the counter and ask her to please move this group a few lanes over to maintain some form of social distance. Well... to make a long story short , in about 1 hour that all went south. They allowed any and all to walk into the doors and gather in groups all over the place. Every lane became occupied with an additional waiting list of people standing around. 80% of the people had no mask. It was absolutely clear no precautions of any kind were in place at this establishment. I understand businesses need to be open and I completely support that they do. In almost all cases around the Villages our neighborhood businesses have safety measures in place. This one not only did not have any ..... It seemed they didn't care.

:icon_wink: Fiesta Bowl not "Siesta Lanes" but close. :popcorn:

[davefin]

In my very humble opinion, I would only offer one suggestion....get over it!!!! Either have fun or not, your choice!

[Stu from NYC]

Well it's sad you've had to curtail your activity...it's still a country of free choice and it would have been prudent if you'd have asked about adjacent lanes being occupied "before" you decided to bowl. Then you'd have avoided any issues.

As to "conform"...that's exactly why we have freedom of choice. Do what you want and don't expect others to share in your fear. The press would have you believe certain facts about the virus that are not proven, but it's your decision to enter a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.

When they got there more than half the lanes were unoccupied.

[Joe V.]

When they got there more than half the lanes were unoccupied.

What is the point? That the owner who is allowed 100% occupancy should curtail his business for one or two people.?

[villagetinker]

OP, I am an active bowler, 6 leagues currently, I wear a mask, I stay back at the tables under a fan when not bowling. I would say less than half of the bowlers are currently wearing masks, I do as much social distancing as I can. By the way I think all of the leagues I am on could use additional bowlers. Please feel free to send a PM if you are interested.

[Mortal1]

When they got there more than half the lanes were unoccupied.

then you know that lanes can be empty, full or anything in between. When and if it will fill and to what capacity depends on if there are any leagues or when other people might come to bowl.

So that it being only partially in use when they entered has zero to do with what the future will be.

So did you have a valid point to make?

[justjim]

then you know that lanes can be empty, full or anything in between. When and if it will fill and to what capacity depends on if there are any leagues or when other people might come to bowl.

So that it being only partially in use when they entered has zero to do with what the future will be.

So did you have a valid point to make?

OP’S point appears to be that he was not aware that the bowling center could operate at 100% capacity. He apparently assumed something different. Now he knows.

[Garywt]

That is something I would not do. In Mass when we go into a store it is 100% wearing a mask. When we are in Florida we notice maybe 50%. We have done very little since March. My wife and I have eaten out 3 times and 2 of those were outdoor dining. Due to my health this is what we need to do. We limit our time in stores and do not go to any indoor activities. The only indoor thing I do is go to the hospital for treatment and that is a 6 hour period. We all make choices and hopefully it will be behind us soon.

[Scott O]

Hello all. Hope this finds everyone enjoying the day and staying healthy. I'm not one to post on sites like this but I believe this needs to be talked about. There is no doubt we are living in strange times and no doubt we have a serious virus that is making people very sick and in some cases taking their lives. My wife and I moved to The Villages 4 years ago because we are very active and love the lifestyle here. With that being said we experienced something the other night I thought was alarming. Back home in Atlanta we played in a bowling league. But because of the pandemic, we had not even thought of going bowling here in The Villages. Well, since we have our own balls and shoes we decided to go down to Siesta Lanes last Saturday in the early evening. When we arrived more than half the lanes were open and it appeared safe. It looked like there was plenty of distance between everyone that was bowling so we decided to start a couple games. The first incident we had was the lady at the counter put a group of people right next to us when there were other lanes to choose from. We went up to the counter and ask her to please move this group a few lanes over to maintain some form of social distance. Well... to make a long story short , in about 1 hour that all went south. They allowed any and all to walk into the doors and gather in groups all over the place. Every lane became occupied with an additional waiting list of people standing around. 80% of the people had no mask. It was absolutely clear no precautions of any kind were in place at this establishment. I understand businesses need to be open and I completely support that they do. In almost all cases around the Villages our neighborhood businesses have safety measures in place. This one not only did not have any ..... It seemed they didn't care.
The bowling alley is open for 100% occupancy, and you have masks so not sure what your intentions were for this post....It’s all about choices..

[bowlingal]

It's Fiesta Bowl....not Siesta

[Girlcopper]

What is the point? That the owner who is allowed 100% occupancy should curtail his business for one or two people.?
Exactly. You take a chance with any activity you continue to participate in. You took the chance and lost. Lesson learned

[villageuser]

And this is why the government needs to take action and tell businesses what they can and cannot do to keep the population safe. People complain when they do so, but if government doesn’t do anything so that they can “honor” our “freedoms”, then people will say, if they can be open 100%, that’s the business’s right.

No, freedoms come with obligation. And the obligation is we take care of each other. It is sad that someone can not go out and live life the way they want to, while taking precautions, because of the countless people who are acting selfishly. My heart goes out to you, Mtoneff. My solution has been to make life at home as agreeable and as full as possible. I don’t trust most people out there.

[cj1040]

Not surprisingly..it is a free for all in Florida except when it comes to the fierce competition to register for a covid shot...almost impossible. We would not think of going ANYWHERE in public without a mask and distancing and have not been to a restaurant or gym in a year.

[richs631]

Hello all. Hope this finds everyone enjoying the day and staying healthy. I'm not one to post on sites like this but I believe this needs to be talked about. There is no doubt we are living in strange times and no doubt we have a serious virus that is making people very sick and in some cases taking their lives. My wife and I moved to The Villages 4 years ago because we are very active and love the lifestyle here. With that being said we experienced something the other night I thought was alarming. Back home in Atlanta we played in a bowling league. But because of the pandemic, we had not even thought of going bowling here in The Villages. Well, since we have our own balls and shoes we decided to go down to Siesta Lanes last Saturday in the early evening. When we arrived more than half the lanes were open and it appeared safe. It looked like there was plenty of distance between everyone that was bowling so we decided to start a couple games. The first incident we had was the lady at the counter put a group of people right next to us when there were other lanes to choose from. We went up to the counter and ask her to please move this group a few lanes over to maintain some form of social distance. Well... to make a long story short , in about 1 hour that all went south. They allowed any and all to walk into the doors and gather in groups all over the place. Every lane became occupied with an additional waiting list of people standing around. 80% of the people had no mask. It was absolutely clear no precautions of any kind were in place at this establishment. I understand businesses need to be open and I completely support that they do. In almost all cases around the Villages our neighborhood businesses have safety measures in place. This one not only did not have any ..... It seemed they didn't care.

I’ll say it again folks, IF YOUR AFRAID STAY HOME.

[Bay Kid]

Maybe they had their vaccine.

[paulajr]

We bowl weekly at FIESTA bowl. If you are concerned, wear a mask. Some do...some don’t. I thought when all of this “stuff” began that you wore a mask when you couldn’t “social distance”? It is amazing to me that when people come down from the states where everyone is petrified to live...they want us to feel the same.
Be careful...not frightened.

[coconutmama]

Hello all. Hope this finds everyone enjoying the day and staying healthy. I'm not one to post on sites like this but I believe this needs to be talked about. There is no doubt we are living in strange times and no doubt we have a serious virus that is making people very sick and in some cases taking their lives. My wife and I moved to The Villages 4 years ago because we are very active and love the lifestyle here. With that being said we experienced something the other night I thought was alarming. Back home in Atlanta we played in a bowling league. But because of the pandemic, we had not even thought of going bowling here in The Villages. Well, since we have our own balls and shoes we decided to go down to Siesta Lanes last Saturday in the early evening. When we arrived more than half the lanes were open and it appeared safe. It looked like there was plenty of distance between everyone that was bowling so we decided to start a couple games. The first incident we had was the lady at the counter put a group of people right next to us when there were other lanes to choose from. We went up to the counter and ask her to please move this group a few lanes over to maintain some form of social distance. Well... to make a long story short , in about 1 hour that all went south. They allowed any and all to walk into the doors and gather in groups all over the place. Every lane became occupied with an additional waiting list of people standing around. 80% of the people had no mask. It was absolutely clear no precautions of any kind were in place at this establishment. I understand businesses need to be open and I completely support that they do. In almost all cases around the Villages our neighborhood businesses have safety measures in place. This one not only did not have any ..... It seemed they didn't care.

Thank you for posting. Now people can make up their own minds whether to participate in bowling or not. As you see from the posts here, you cannot change people’s minds about Covid but you have done your part. God Bless

[John_W]

I know for sure if I were considering taking on an activity that requires close quarters like bowling, I would call the facility first and find out what precautions they're taking. Responsibility starts with you.

Fiesta Bowling The Villages (https://thevillagesbowling.com/)

[togabill]

Those are outside sports

[CFrance]

Well it's sad you've had to curtail your activity...it's still a country of free choice and it would have been prudent if you'd have asked about adjacent lanes being occupied "before" you decided to bowl. Then you'd have avoided any issues.

As to "conform"...that's exactly why we have freedom of choice. Do what you want and don't expect others to share in your fear. The press would have you believe certain facts about the virus that are not proven, but it's your decision to enter a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable.


While I agree that this person, upon seeing other lanes full, should have asked about the distancing before taking a lane, I find it pretty snarky to call this person's prudence fear.

[DAVES]

And this is why the government needs to take action and tell businesses what they can and cannot do to keep the population safe. People complain when they do so, but if government doesn’t do anything so that they can “honor” our “freedoms”, then people will say, if they can be open 100%, that’s the business’s right.

No, freedoms come with obligation. And the obligation is we take care of each other. It is sad that someone can not go out and live life the way they want to, while taking precautions, because of the countless people who are acting selfishly. My heart goes out to you, Mtoneff. My solution has been to make life at home as agreeable and as full as possible. I don’t trust most people out there.

People? Freedom and obligation. Most people want freedom but do not want obligation. Most people when they see someone else doing something they are not doing they call the other people selfish. Yet, none of us are perfect. People are blind to what they do that others see as selfish. Bowling, I haven't bowled in years so no dog in this race. In terms of covid and bowling I would expect it is impossible to sanitize all the machinery.

Perhaps, a major issue with covid is the fact that it is a two week gestation period. Should you get it the person who gave it to you may never know.

It has been about a year. I am finding it difficult. I am getting grouchy.

Post covid 19. Return to normal? We never return to normal. We will find a new normal.

[Hank’s mom]

I agree. Precautions need to be in place.

[Hank’s mom]

That is not the best option when we have ways to go out with safety precautions in place.

[bfarmer3]

I bowl 3 nights a week at Spanish Springs with over 100 other bowlers and I doubt if 10% of them are wearing masks so if you want everyone to follow your requirements then I suggest you stay away. There have been some people that bowl that got the virus but they recovered and are back bowling. At Spanish Springs when there is open bowling they do try to put people on every other Lane. You have now been warned so please stay away and leave us alone.

[Waltdisney4life]

It’s nobody’s responsibility to make me feel safe it is my responsibility if it is uncomfortable then I shall leave.

[FromNY]

In my very humble opinion, I would only offer one suggestion....get over it!!!! Either have fun or not, your choice!
The get over it attitude is sad. Had a friend who had that attitude. Got Covid-19. Then parent got Covid-19 and died. No idea if they will ever get over it. Parent did not catch it from them. Just had same cavalier attitude.
.

[justjim]

Ok, too many times on TOTV we throw the new OP’S under the bus. We all see things happening with our own eyes and process the situation in different ways. OP, thanks for the information in case I have some reason to go to the Fiesta bowl. I am not a bowler so I have no dog in this fight. Personally when I see people in an enclosed building without masks I’m leaving as soon as possible. A mask isn’t all about me but wearing one shows respect for the other person. Thousands have died in the last year from COVID 19. At this point in time what is it about COVID 19 that we don’t understand? Give me a break wear the d.. mask or stay home when you are going into a building.

[yabbadu]

AGAIN, People complain about a situation but stay in the situation DUH! If you do not like something then LEAVE. People complain about restaurants but stay to eat and then complain later. If something, anything bothers you about the situation you are in , LEAVE................

[Justus]

After a year of being stifled, isolated, (literally) muzzled, scorned and watching small businesses bankrupted and closed, one would think seeing an enterprise that attempts to return to some semblance of normalcy would be an elevating experience! It is for some of us! I wasn't aware of the reopening of Fiesta Lanes, but I intend to patronize any business that suffers the slings and arrows of the perpetually fearful. I wasn't a bowler, but I am now!

[Jazzman]

We bowl weekly at FIESTA bowl. If you are concerned, wear a mask. Some do...some don’t. I thought when all of this “stuff” began that you wore a mask when you couldn’t “social distance”? It is amazing to me that when people come down from the states where everyone is petrified to live...they want us to feel the same.
Be careful...not frightened.

It’s very apparent that the six foot social distance option is easily forgotten by those that complain about non mask wearers. The CDC rule is if you cannot social distance wear a mask. It doesn’t say social distance when possible and always wear a mask regardless.

[Jazzman]

That is something I would not do. In Mass when we go into a store it is 100% wearing a mask. When we are in Florida we notice maybe 50%. We have done very little since March. My wife and I have eaten out 3 times and 2 of those were outdoor dining. Due to my health this is what we need to do. We limit our time in stores and do not go to any indoor activities. The only indoor thing I do is go to the hospital for treatment and that is a 6 hour period. We all make choices and hopefully it will be behind us soon.

You may “notice”its 50%” mask compliance in stores but unless you stand there and count your guess in my opinion is way off. I frequent stores regularly, including supermarkets, pharmacies, big box retailers, etc. and there are way more people with masks on then without masks. Stand outside a Publix and count the number of those exiting the store without a mask. The percentage would be extremely low compared to those wearing a mask.

[jimjamuser]

I believe occupancy is open to 100%. Mortal1 is correct in that the responsibility is yours and if you are uncomfortable you need to take the action. There are those that will not believe the facts, will interpret the facts to meet their agenda, will believe everything the press reports to be false and have no personal regard for their friends and neighbors and even their own family. We have a friend that believes as Mortal 1 does and has been very vocal about it. They informed us they were taking a vacation to the panhandle to get away from those here that are fearful. We found they were going there to get the vaccine because they didn't want anyone here to know they were doing it as it would show weakness.
That is typical Village attitude. It is sad and humorous at the same time.

[jimjamuser]

What is the point? That the owner who is allowed 100% occupancy should curtail his business for one or two people.?
The real point is that indoor activities are dangerous and that the new British CV variant is in Florida, near TV Land. So, everyone should (?) be more cautious and activities limited as an adjustment to the new health situation. But, what SHOULD be done will NOT be done because of profits, stupidity, and a tendency of older people, and people in general, to resist change. The VIRUS can change faster than people can adapt.

[jimjamuser]

And this is why the government needs to take action and tell businesses what they can and cannot do to keep the population safe. People complain when they do so, but if government doesn’t do anything so that they can “honor” our “freedoms”, then people will say, if they can be open 100%, that’s the business’s right.

No, freedoms come with obligation. And the obligation is we take care of each other. It is sad that someone can not go out and live life the way they want to, while taking precautions, because of the countless people who are acting selfishly. My heart goes out to you, Mtoneff. My solution has been to make life at home as agreeable and as full as possible. I don’t trust most people out there.
The main purpose of any government - Federal, State, or local - is to keep its citizens SAFE! Unfortunately, governments react slowly and life is changing more rapidly each year.

[jimjamuser]

I’ll say it again folks, IF YOUR AFRAID STAY HOME.
Fear helps people survive!

[jimjamuser]

It’s nobody’s responsibility to make me feel safe it is my responsibility if it is uncomfortable then I shall leave.
Governments have that responsibility, as much as possible.

[Garywt]

You may “notice”its 50%” mask compliance in stores but unless you stand there and count your guess in my opinion is way off. I frequent stores regularly, including supermarkets, pharmacies, big box retailers, etc. and there are way more people with masks on then without masks. Stand outside a Publix and count the number of those exiting the store without a mask. The percentage would be extremely low compared to those wearing a mask.

Could be the timing. In November it seemed like 90% and in January it seemed a lot lower. I guess if I went to the store 4 hours later or earlier the numbers could have been a lot higher. Who knows.