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What’s the good news, 2020? 98-year-old Salmon Arm woman keeps active at the bowling lanes

The Salmon Arm Observer looks back at some of the positive stories of 2020
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Florence Pineo still bowls in a league at Lakeside Bowling making her one of the oldest bowlers in Western Canada. (Jim Elliot - Salmon Arm Observer)

As 2020 draws to a close, the Salmon Arm Observer is looking back at some of the stories that reflect the positive work, activities and accomplishments that occurred throughout this challenging year.

Florence Pineo’s game scores may not top the charts, but it’s her love of the game that keeps her coming back.

Following her Thursday, Oct. 1, game at Salmon Arm’s Lakeside Bowling, in which she shared a lane with her sister Louise, Pineo reflected on both her 117 point game and just how special bowling is to her.

Pineo said she has been bowling in the league at Lakeside Bowling for 26 years. She took the game up alongside Louise after retiring at 71 years old. She described the senior league as good exercise, but said the social aspect is every bit as important with many friendships forged between the lanes.

Although she is no longer averaging the 192 point games she once did, Pineo is still more than capable of putting up a good ten frames. She attributes this longevity to family history and an overall healthy lifestyle.

“I’m very careful with my health, I don’t drink or smoke and I rest a lot. I’m just a healthy person,” she said.

“I think it’s good for you, you can’t just sit around on the chesterfield waiting to die or that sort of thing. You should remain active and keep the proper perspective.”

Knowing Pineo will soon be 98 years old, the staff at Lakeside Bowling reached out to Bowl BC and concluded the Salmon Arm woman is among the oldest competitive bowlers in all of Western Canada.

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jim.elliot@saobserver.net

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Jim Elliot

About the Author: Jim Elliot

I’m a B.C. transplant here in Whitehorse at The News telling stories about the Yukon's people, environment, and culture.
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