MSWBA HONORS OWNES WITH SERVICE AWARD

FESTUS -- Helen Owens recently received the MSWBA Meritorious Service Award at the annual meeting of the Missouri State Women's Bowling Association.

Owens was bestowed the award for outstanding service to the Cape Girardeau Women's Bowling Association.

Owens, who began bowling in 1943, started the Youth League in 1959 when Cape Lanes opened in Cape Girardeau. She has been active in the youth leagues ever since.

Owens has also worked to form many new adult and senior leagues and has served at one time or another as president, vice-president and secretary-treasurer for several of the leagues.

When the Cape Girardeau Women's Bowling Association elected its first Board of Directors in 1981, Owens was chosen director. She still remains on the Board of Directors.

She has served as a delegate to the annual state meeting several times and has bowled in the state tournament for more than 20 years.

In 1992, Owens was one of the first two inductees into the local bowling hall of fame.