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Jeff Davis
I recently had the opportunity to visit with Justin Parmer, the proprietor of JP’s Classic Lanes, for a little background on him and what might be in the future for our favorite “family entertainment center”. Family entertainment center is the new moniker for houses that have bowling as well as a wide variety of other attractions. With ax throwing, pool tables, a vibrant arcade, snack bar and a party room, JP’s certainly qualifies.
Justin has a master’s degree in social work and was intending to specialize in mental health, but as he said, “Everybody I talked with was having the worst day of their life”, and the stress was grinding. His favorite aspect of the field was working with kids – more on that later. He also has an insurance license.
Justin began bowling while a senior in high school, somewhat later than many juniors start out. His entire family including dad, mom and brother are avid bowlers and contributed to his initial interest in the sport. Readers of this report have seen the Parmer name more than several times in the honor scores.
Justin had been around Classic Lanes in one function or another for almost 25 years when the owner decided that it was time for him to step away from the lanes last spring. He jumped at the chance to become his own boss and entrepreneur. The same folks who had served the lanes well continued employment along with some newcomers. Expertise in bowling is not a hiring requirement for center staff as far as I know, but you will certainly see some of their names here when noting high games and high series honors.
Justin is a USBC-certified coach if you want to polish your game or are a beginner looking to start out. He also operates the Pro Shop that can equip the newest beginner or the seasoned bowler. Lessons and the Pro Shop are available by appointment by calling 903-885-5046.
There are already signs of improvement around the center. What we are seeing now is just the beginning; stand by for exciting new features to be phased in, and down the road sometime, a Grand Opening.
Bowling is not a UIL sport for Texas high schools, but there is a program for varsity and junior varsity bowling teams. An issue locally has been the travel distances that would be required for a high school team, but Justin has indicated this is something he would like to see in the future. Classic Lanes’ bowlers from around this area could help this effort by talking to local school districts to perhaps generate some enthusiasm.
Scores and standings for March 21 through April 3 will be reported in the April 6 edition of the News-Telegram.
I will repeat this info in the future, but here is an overview of the upcoming summer leagues planned for JP’s Classic Lanes. The mixed leagues are open for any combination of players. Signups are open now at the main desk at the center.
• Sunday night will feature an adult mixed league and run from June 16th through August 25th.
• Monday night youth/adult league June 3 to Aug. 26 and a 9-Pin No Tap league June 10 through Aug. 26.
• Tuesday night adult mixed league May 28 through Aug. 27.
• Wednesday afternoon senior (50+) mixed league May 29 through Aug. 28.
• Thursday night adult mixed league May 30 through Aug. 29.
Until next week, good luck and good bowling.