A local family turned a recreational sport into a profitable business, and was recognized for doing so. The Pollard family received the Ripley County Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year award for Pollard's Bowl Inc. Chamber president Matt McNew and chamber executive director Amy Thomas facilitated the awards luncheon program May 15.

Chamber leaders remarked that it was an easy and "unanamious" decision to choose the Pollard business as an award recipient. They have been a valuable asset to the community providing jobs, entertainment and service.

Chairperson of the awards program, Alesha Neal presented the history of Pollard's Bowl. In 1970 Bill Pollard was preparing to retire from the US Air Force when he and his family decided to buy their friends' (Bill and Monieda Byard) bowling center in Versailles. Bill, who grew up in Moores Hill, had made extra money playing in bowling jackpot tournaments and could have gone pro had it not been for the service.

In 1974 they added a lounge, and in 1989 added a nightclub featuring some national acts such as REO Speedwagon. In 2002 the lounge was renovated and Po's Pub formed. In 2007, water problems forced them to gut the center. They renovated the bowling center and also went smoke-free in the bowling part of the center that year. In 2011, the family upgraded the lounge, and added a patio deck in 2012 when the entire center went smoke free, which was required according to a new state law for any business serving food.

As many may know, the Pollard family not only has run a successful local business, but they are also quite the bowlers. Rick and Ron are the only two brothers in any professional sport in the National Hall of Fame - although Rick thinks the Manning brothers will eventually be in it for football. Their sister Gina also is in the Ohio and Cincinnati Hall of Fame for her bowling skills.

Most of the Pollards were in attendance at the luncheon. The Pollards thanked friends, family and community for their continual support. Ron told the chamber guests, "We need to support one another in our business. Local small business is the heart and soul of the community." It was also mentioned that the first annual bowling fundraiser was held for the chamber this year at Pollard's, and it went over well.

Besides the business of the year award, the chamber also recognized 11 new businesses for the year. They include A-1 Auto Glass, Cash Saver Market, DownTown Mowers, NuDawn Laser Hair Removal, Old National Bank, Pizza Hut/Versailles, Solarzentrum North America, Smoker Friendly, Subway/Milan, Trackside Pizza and Your Place or Mine in Versailles.

The luncheon was held at the Southeastern Indiana REMC Training Center in Osgood. Rolling Pin catered it, and about 85 people attended. Last year's recipient of the Business of the Year was The Friendship State Bank. The chamber has 220 members.

A group of local and area residents are planning to caravan to Moore, Oklahoma to help the town in the aftermath of the tornado. The F5 tornado, with winds of 200 mph, struck Monday, May 20 and killed 24 people, eight of those children, injured over 200, and damaged 5000 buildings.

Mindy Stephan of Switzerland County said she and several others from Madison, Versailles and Switzerland County plan to leave May 31 taking a 15- passenger van and several other vehicles, hopefully loaded with supplies. They have been in contact with the Salvation Army and Red Cross in Madison, who have given them approval to organize a caravan. Local auto dealerships are donating the van.

She said they are in need of donations, such as gift cards for gas to get there, and gift cards to use to purchase needed items once they arrive and see the need. "A lot of people want to help and this is one way to do so," she said.

They are looking for items including hand sanitizers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, plus first aid kits, diapers, baby wipes and bottles.

If you want to donate call her at (812)599-5111. Ripley Publishing at 115 S. Washington Street in Versailles will serve as a drop off center during regular business hours for this effort.

John Ryle, the Southeastern Indiana Red Cross chapter executive director, said they have received many calls for donations. "The best thing to give is cash, and to a reputable organization," he said. That way they can then use it to buy supplies that are needed. For example, they are currently feeding the thousands of disaster workers and could use funds to provide meals.

He recalled the firehouse at Holton last March was full of donated clothing and it took a dozen people to sort through it. "That in itself became a nightmare, with where to put it, where to store it" he added.

Ryle said while intentions are usually sincere, it's not a good idea to just get in your car and head to the disaster site to help. People should first get clearance through an organization. People who wish to make a donation can visit redcross.org, dial 1-800-REDCROSS or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Supporters are encouraged to give online at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769). You can also text the word

STORM" to 80888 to make a $10 donation through your mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word "Yes."

Donations in the form of checks designated to Oklahoma Tornado Relief may also be mailed to: The Salvation Army PO Box 12600 Oklahoma City, OK 73157