Standing (l. to r.): Staff member Christina, Charlene Poulos, Lenny Bari, Debi Bari, Staff member Nick, Elaine Poulos, Perry Poulos, Kristina Poulos, John Alvarado, Staff member Kevin; seated, parents of Lenny Bari. Photo Rose Albergo Astoria Bowl, the former Maric Lanes, located at 19-45 49th St., Astoria, held a grand opening ceremony on January 30 to herald the continued existence of a bowling facility in the area. Bowling cost $1 per game all day and visitors availed themselves of a free buffet and give-aways.

Astoria Bowl came into being when Maric Lanes management decided to close and Perry Poulos and his wife, Elaine, feeling that a bowling facility played a significant role for adults and children in the surrounding area, decided to assume the business. The bowling lanes never completely closed, and loyal customers kept coming, bringing more friends along each time they returned. The improvements and renovations have already borne fruit: nine perfect games have been played on the lanes and kegler Anthony Pepe bowled an 837 series (300-237-300). Professional bowlers who have bowled in many other facilities, after playing on Astoria Bowl’s lanes say they “love the house” and are sure the facilities will be a success.

The Poulos couple thanked retired electrician Mike Myer for his help in coordinating the work and Meyer’s staff for a job well done, General Manager Lenny Bari and his wife, Debi, for their effort and support and all the facility’s staff for stepping up on all the improvements during the lanes’ transition. They also thank Jerry Basile, youth director, for his continuous support. They plan to dedicate the facility primarily to use by schools and families, for fundraisers and as a place where average and serious bowlers alike can go to relax and have fun.

For more information, call Astoria Bowl at 718-274-1910.–Rose Albergo