The All Star's First Bowler

Opening day at The All Star, a new bowling alley on Route 58 in Riverhead, couldn't come soon enough for Calverton resident Paul Dichtl.

On Thursday, the official opening day of the lanes -- the bowling alley had two friends' and family nights earlier in the week -- Dichtl was sitting outside in his car, waiting eagerly for the doors to open.

When the moment finally came, at approximately 4 p.m. -- the All Star will have a "soft" opening for approximately two weeks and be open only in the evenings -- Dichtl, who came alone, grabbed his bowling bag and headed inside.

Because the Tuesday Night Mens Pacers team Dichtl has belonged to in Saville went from being a five to a four-member group, Dichtl hasn't bowled in appproximately two years.

"I'll probably bowl a 190 today," he said. Laughing, he added, "The first game doesn't count."

Admiring the new lanes, Dichtl said he felt some other bowling alleys on Long Island weren't in condition fit for his top-of-the-line bowling balls.

Dichtl also admired the new game room and other amenities of the new lanes and waited to rent bowling shoes so he could throw the first ball.