FORT STEWART, Ga. - The temperature outside was in the chilly mid-50s and, for a few minutes, a fine but noticeable mist fell on participants and spectators at the Grand Opening of the Stewart Lanes Bowling Center, Nov. 12.
The rain that some were certain would fall held off, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony formally marking completion of an 11-month, $1.5 million renovation project went on as scheduled.
Installation Chaplain (Col.) Gary Moore smiled, looked heavenward and said, "Thanks, Lord" before he offered the invocation to begin the ceremony.
Garrison Commander Colonel Kevin W. Milton saluted the weather conditions as well.
"I'm going to keep this brief so we can get out of this freezing weather in Georgia," he said.
Colonel Milton said it was a "great pleasure" to re-open the facility, adding that its modernization was in keeping with the Army Family Covenant provision promising to improve and expand recreation programs and services for Soldiers and their Families.
Stewart Lanes, originally built in 1962, was the first bowling center and snack bar constructed on Fort Stewart. It has a new exterior faAfASade and entrance, an expanded, modernized kitchen with a walk-up service window, additional party room space and 12 bowling lanes with a "Cosmic Glo-Bowling" theme. The interior has a retro look, with color scheme and theme representing the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Food was free for guests at the grand opening of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Facility, and slices of home-made, freshly-cooked pizza, cookies and fries were gratefully and quickly accepted.
Among those on hand for the opening ceremony were Sgt. Nofotolu Saoifanua, his wife, Marilynn, and children Leilani, 7, and Nofotolu Jr., 5. Saoifanua likes the bigger party rooms, the improved food and said that the bumper rails work much better now. His wife said Stewart Lanes is more user- friendly now.
"It's more exciting to come here," Marilynn said. She pointed out that Sunday is the couple's Family day, and they enjoy bowling on Sundays. "I love it here."
It was a special day for four members of the Fisher Family - Christina and children Jessee, 4, and Maddie Jo, 3, and their grandmother, Cathy Maggio.
Christina, Jessee and Maddie Jo were invited to join in cutting the ribbon. They did so with Col. Milton, Christi Milton, Garrison Command Sgt. Major James E. Ervin, FMWR Director Linda Heifferon and Roni Stevens, Corkan Family Recreation Area manager.
"It was a great feeling," Christina said. "The kids were very excited. This was a great honor."
She and her Family are devoted customers of Corkan Family Recreation Area.
"Maddie Jo does the bowling lessons every Wednesday at Cypress Sam's Treehouse and at Stewart Lanes. We're there 3-4 days a week, either at the bowling lanes or the tree house. Corkan is an outstanding establishment, and Roni and her staff do a wonderful job," Christina said.
Her husband, Staff Sgt. Barrett Fisher, is serving as a drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and has been in the Army for more than seven years. Both she, a former Soldier, and her husband have served tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Christina Fisher, now a security specialist with a private contractor, is expecting an assignment in Iraq at any time.
Christina's mother, Cathy Maggio, will care for the children while their mother and father are actively serving the nation.
Christina said the renovation work was money well spent.
"It's a lot more kid friendly, the food is much better, the bathrooms are more kid-friendly and really clean, she said. "Stewart Lanes is really Family oriented."
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