Beat the Heat: Bowl AMF Commack Vet Lanes

With a heat wave in town, Commack Patch takes a look at places for you to beat the heat. Have a location you think we should profile? Email us at victoria@patch.com and you might just see your favorite "beat the heat" spot profiled by Patch.

AMF Commack Vet Lanes, located on Jericho Turnpike, has provided Commack residents with a climate-controlled hotspot for over 50 years. Their leagues allow bowlers of all skill levels to challenge themselves, their weekend programs offer a variety of activities for the families in the area and their fundraisers help many non-profit organizations.

Marsha Baliber, summer league program director, has worked at Commack Lanes for 25 years and said the leagues are great for families and children of all ages.

"There is an adult/child league, it's Sunday mornings in the fall and Monday nights in the summer. It's a great bonding experience for families," Baliber said.

Phil Ausset, manager, has worked with the local community for over 2 years and said the best part of his job is the customers.

"It's a pleasure to deal with the local customers. There are so many fundraisers to get the community involved, it's really enjoyable," Ausset.

Ausset said the best way to start bowling is to attend one of their weekend events.

"It's a great event for a new bowler. It's a fun time, not a serious event," Ausset said.

Xtreme Bowling takes place on Friday and Saturday nights. It is a social event where the lights in the alley are out, ultra-violet lights are on and pins glow in the dark. Hitting the "green" pin wins you a free game, among other prizes.

Another activity beginning this summer is the Art and Bowl, led by Bobby Maserole, an art teacher who has taught on Cablevision. Maserole's program is for children and it includes bowling, an hour and a half art class, and popcorn.

"Right now we are still accepting sign-ups. Once we have enough sign-ups we will book the class," Maserole said.

AMF Commack Vet Lanes also features a bar and grill, an arcade and active year-round leagues. The Commack Union Free School District also uses the alley for their leagues, as well as other districts in the area.

Robert Dominic, Commack resident, has been bowling at the AMF Commack Vet Lanes for the past 7 years.

"I bowl in all the leagues, year round. I started with my family, and then it became a competitive sport. My family still bowls here, together," Dominic said.

AMF Commack Vet Lanes also has DirecTV access, which is another aspect of their programs.

"In the fall, we'll offer a program connected with NFL games," Ausset said.

The AMF Commack Vet Lanes also include the StrikeZone pro-shop and Jazzercise studio at their location. 

More information on AMF Commack Vets Lanes, including their hours, additional specials and directions, can be found on their website.