By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Eight avid bowlers from Cedar Crest recently traveled to the Jersey Shore for a head-to- head competition against their fellow Erickson community members at Seabrook. But they didn’t exactly have to lace up their bowling shoes.

Virtual bowling
The competitors bowled via Nintendo Wii, a video gaming system that allows players to virtually play a game such as bowling, tennis, or golf by using a wireless remote control. The control senses the players’ arm, leg, and torso movements and reacts on the TV screen.

Each community’s eight-person team put up a hard fight in the first meeting of the cross-community tournament. After four games, Cedar Crest beat out Seabrook 1,082 points to 937. The teams will meet again at Cedar Crest on a to-be-determined date.

“Playing against Cedar Crest is definitely fun, but there’s only one problem— they’re better than us!” says Seabrook teammate Avis Stolp. “The truth is that it doesn’t matter who wins; we all just had a wonderful time meeting each other and playing.”

Cedar Crest bowler Hal Wherner has always loved bowling and says this version is a close substitute. “But all of this fun and laughing makes for an even better time,” he says with a laugh.

Added benefits
Both Cedar Crest and Seabrook have added Nintendo Wii gaming systems and large flat-screen TVs to their communities. Folks at Cedar Crest get together at the Woodland Commons Clubhouse Wednesday nights for happy hour and to sharpen their bowling skills.

“It is our goal to see that everyone who lives here stays as active as they possibly can, and this fun new activity gives them yet another opportunity to meet friends and socialize,” says Cedar Crest Executive Director Cathy Guttman.