(Chelsea Update would like to thank D&B Strategic Marking for the information and photos in this story.)
Chelsea Lanes is among the oldest family-run businesses in Chelsea, and the GreenLeaf family has helped countless people, organizations, businesses, and district schools during their tenure of owning and operating the business since 1959.
Chelsea Lanes, alongside restaurants and bars, has been severely challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic. So, when Rick Taylor stepped up and sponsored the Chelsea High School Bowling Team, his generosity was met with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation.
Eddie GreenLeaf, owner and manager of Chelsea Lanes said, “Rick Taylor has consistently and graciously been our top business sponsor over the years. His financial assistance has helped with bus transportation for away meets, lane time, and league fees. He has helped to defray costs for parents making this sport work within their budgets.”
Bowling is one of the Bulldog team sports that does not receive funding from the Chelsea Athletic Boosters. It is a self-funded varsity sport that follows all of the Chelsea High School requirements including eligibility, physicals, and student grades.
“It is an honor to help Chelsea Lanes for all that they have done and continue to do for our community,” said Taylor.
The support Taylor refers to includes Eddie GreenLeaf’s 18 years of coaching the Chelsea High School bowling team, known as the BOWLdogs. Chelsea Lanes also provides lane time and rentals to St. Louis Center residents.
Another excellent example of GreenLeaf’s commitment to the sport and community is Tyler Baxter. Baxter, a graduate of Chelsea High School’s Independence Hall, went to Abu Dhabi two years ago and competed in the World Special Olympics, winning gold, bronze and silver.
GreenLeaf was his coach and Chelsea Lanes provided equipment and is one of Tyler’s biggest fans. His accomplishments are proudly displayed on a banner over the lanes that reads “Home of Tyler Baxter.”
The program that Taylor sponsored is the “GreenLeaf Ringe Scholarship.” It’s a Thursday night men’s league scholarship program for youth bowlers. Many of the kids in this program reached pinnacles in their careers. Examples include the recent participation of six high school bowlers in the regional bowing competition. The BOWLdogs Chelsea High School team ended up with four out of ten qualifying bowlers at 2020 State Finals.
“These kids are good,” said Taylor. “Three students in this program are playing at the college level. Go BOWLdogs.”
During a break in Wednesday night’s practice, Taylor displayed his sportsmanship, taking a light-hearted approach to throwing his first ball in 8 years while leaving only 3 pins standing.
Testament to the caliber of training provided by Chelsea Lanes is embodied in Jaylen Watesen, who will be bowling on a scholarship for the Michigan Wolverines at U of M Dearborn. And Trevor Ramsey, a 2019 graduate, who will be bowling for Wisconsin Whitewater, a historic bowling program that captured the 2019 National Championship. These two athletes will be joining Chelsea Lanes’ college bowlers as part of the Chelsea High School alumni this spring.
Chelsea Lanes closed March 16, 2020, and reopened in early September only to be shut down again in mid-November. It reopened on Dec. 21, operating at a low-key level. The business cannot serve food or beverages or offer league bowling due to lane occupancy restrictions, and state regulations that bowlers must be from the same household.
However, GreenLeaf is optimistic about the future. “With local support like Rick Taylor’s, we have a good plan with bowling during the day and being more creative to keep things engaging and fun for our league bowlers. We are looking at bits of normalcy coming back.”
This season the Chelsea High School boys team is the defending SEC champs. However, the pandemic has caused a decline in numbers. Past seasons have seen 30-35 kids and upwards of 50 come out, now that number has decreased to 22 kids this season.
Anyone interested in learning more or donating to the Chelsea High School Bowling Team can reach out to Eddie GreenLeaf at (734) 417- 5153 or email [email protected].
About Chelsea Lanes:
Chelsea Lanes prides itself on providing an atmosphere of fun and excitement for customers and team members since 1959. We strive to give you the most affordable family entertainment in the area while understanding the need to escape everyday life burdens. We welcome you and hope that you enjoy your experience at Chelsea Lanes Where the good times roll!
About Rick Taylor Real Estate:
Rick Taylor Real Estate has been operating as an individual Reinhart Realtor for more than 20 years in the Chelsea community. He was recently awarded the prestigious Reinhart Realtors President’s Award for the 18th consecutive year, has maintained ranking among the top 1% of Sales Nationwide, and the #1 Individual Agent with Reinhart for the past 4 consecutive years. These awards are reflective of Taylor’s experience in selling and buying homes for people. Contact Rick Taylor if you want to learn more www.ricktaylorrealestate.com. (734) 223-5656.
