This week I’ve decided to focus on a topic that should be of interest to every single one of you readers, whether you’re young or young-at-heart.



Sometimes it’s not the newest stuff in town that’s the best. Often our community amenities that have stood the test of time are really where it’s at.



For this reason and many others, Chalet Bowl, located in prrrrfect Proctor, is the Scene of the Crime for today and every day thereafter.



Chalet Bowl opened in September of 1941 as North End Alleys. Now, as Chalet Bowl, this alley is in its 67th year of operation, and we promise that they’ve updated their bowling shoes a million times since then.



Chalet Bowl and its adjoining 26th St. Cafe is the oldest operating bowling center in Washington state, and for the last 25-some years, it’s been owned and operated by Reggie and Nancy Frederick.



The reason I say that it should appeal to you all is because Chalet is wonderful for the kiddies, a great hangout for the middle and high schoolers, and an excellent joint for any-aged adult (ahhhh, pitchers of domestic beer and bowling!). Chalet should also be attractive to you because it’s locally owned.



Chalet recently installed $200,000 in capital improvements including new lanes, approaches and automatic scoring with LCD monitors and LCD televisions, and new cash register systems. With all of these improvements factored in, Chalet now has the most cutting-edge bowling center equipment in Pierce County. Turkey!



Last year, Chalet also was home to more than 400 children’s birthday parties and more than 200 company and team-building events. The charitable events Chalet hosted in 2007 raised more than $30,000. That’s extra-frames excellent! People occasionally invite me to go bowling, but usually the only way you can get me to join is if you’re heading to Chalet. What I love the most about it is that it feels like it’s family owned, and I appreciate how comfortable and clean it is. Also, for some reason, I seem to bowl better at Chalet, and that’s not because they put the bumpers up when it’s my turn.



One of my favorite things about Chalet is their Rock ‘N Glow weekend nights, which includes two great hours of bowling, disco and black lights, and great music. Rock ‘N Glow is $12 for kids and $15 for adults, which includes your shoe rental. It takes place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday for kids and from 10 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday for the rest of us.

Reservations are a must for Rock ‘N Glow, and I can promise that you and yours will have an absolute blast when you go.



So break up your usual weekend, or weeknight, routine and head to Chalet.

Let’s keep this locally-owned business in operation for another 67 years.



[Chalet Bowl, 3806 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.752.5200]



Tell me where you like to party at sceneofthecrime@hotmail.com.