Veterans enjoy camaraderie while bowling at Medina Lanes

Photos by Tom Rivers (Left) Carol Callina of Medina was one of about 40 veterans who took advantage of a free day of bowling Saturday at Medina Lanes. (Right) Nick Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services Agency, chats with his wife, Tricia, left, and Sara Hults, a volunteer in suicide prevention from the Batavia VA, as they wait to check in veterans for the day of bowling Saturday, sponsored by the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.

MEDINA – The Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer-sponsored afternoon of bowling was a resounding success, according to Nick Mroz, director of the Orleans County Veterans’ Services Agency.

At least 40 veterans and their families enjoyed an afternoon of bowling with pizza, wings and pop. complements of the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program.

Adam Rush of Waterport, a Navy veteran, came with his wife Ashley and children Evelyn, Henry and Charlotte.

“It’s great to get together with other veterans,” Adam said.

Navy veteran Adam Rush of Waterport checks in at Medina Lanes with his wife Ashley and children Evelyn, Henry and Charlotte.

Carol Callina, also a Navy veteran, brought her sister Christine Mason. Mason’s son is a 17-year veteran of the Navy, where he is an air traffic controller.

“This is great,” Mason said.

At another table, Jack Miles and his wife Nancy of Albion chatted with Mike Donahue of Albion, a Navy veteran who did two tours to Vietnam. Both men are members of the Veterans’ Services Council and Honor Guard. Neither man bowls but they wanted to be there at the bowling alley.

“We’re just here for the camaraderie,” they said.

A veteran waits with his ball, while Danille Colasurdo speaks to her service dog Brady, partly visible at right. A Navy veteran, Colasurdo suffers from PTSD.

It was a very significant day for Daniele Colasurdo, a Navy veteran who was happy to be out.

“I have PTSD and this is the first time I’ve been in a bowling alley in four years,” she said.

She was accompanied by her service dog Brady, who helps her deal with her stress.

Nick Mroz said the turnout was double the number who came last year. Other events sponsored by the Joseph P. Dwyer Peer to Peer Program were free turkeys at Thanksgiving and a banquet with prize giveaways at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The next event will be giving away 100 free hams for Easter.

Jack Miles and his wife Nancy, left, and Mike Donahue are greeted by Bill Moroz, a volunteer driver for the Veterans’ Van Service.