Do you have any idea what a combination is? Do you know how to bank a shot? No worries. Even beginners are invited get a cue and play on three new pool tables set up at the Dearborn Adult Center, 311 W. Tate St., Lawrenceburg.

     A random visit to the adult center by experienced pool player Bill De Voe, Moores Hill, led to the tables being set up with the enthusiastic support of Executive Director Marie Edwards. De Voe had stopped by to ask if the center happened to have any pool tables, after playing at other senior centers in the area from Whitewater Township to Colerain Township in Ohio. Edwards said they did not, but was excited about the idea, said De Voe.“There was something about it that struck a chord with me. I am always looking for new programs,” said Edwards. Programs men are interested in are difficult to find sometimes, but the sport also appeals to women, she said. No new program has generated this much enthusiasm at the center since the beginning of the popular Pickin’ and Grinnin’ music program, she said. Edwards quickly purchased two tables he found before calling to order a third, said DeVoe.

     Overnight the room formerly used by card players, who have been moved to another area, was transformed with little dining tables and chairs, pool equipment and a coffeemaker is on the way, he said. “I’ll probably be down here almost every morning ... and I have a pool table in my basement,” said De Voe. His presence probably will be appreciated by those who do not know much about the sport. He is a certified CueSport College International Instructor and certified Billiard Congress of America instructor.

     He started playing pool around the age of 16, but ended up only shooting around every once in a while after entering military service, attending college and getting married, he said. After retiring from AT & T, the company rehired him as a contractor. He was sent to Alaska for 18 months, where he started playing pool again around 1997, he said.“I thought I was good ... I was not,” said De Voe.

      He contacted the BCA about instruction. He was referred to CueSport College International. Master instructor Fredric Fechter taught him everything he knows, said De Voe, who has attended the college for instruction three times.

     “My specialty is helping the youth and anyone who wants to shoot pool,” said De Voe. He can help people with the fundamentals, he said. Though he has won trophies and money through competitions, his emphasis is on the love of the game. He has played in leagues in Southwest Ohio and is looking to start a team at the Dearborn Adult Center. He needs at least six interested players to start a team, men, women or both. Though most senior center league players are 55 and older, younger players could be accepted. He has played against players as old as 93, he said.“I know there are a lot of good shooters around here,” said DeVoe. But anyone is welcome to play, he said.“The score is really not that important to me. It’s the fun we have,” said De Voe. These tables are available for unlimited free play to members. Someone can drop $10 or $15 a night playing at a bar, he said. Many seniors played pool when they were younger but have stopped because they no longer enjoy the bar scene, said Edwards.

     Membership to the adult center is $15 a year for people age 55 and older and $25 for those under 55. Members must be at least 18 years old. Membership will not be required for any future tournament play. The tables are nice. They have an inch of slate and weigh about 900 pounds each, he said.“They are very nice tables. When I was growing up I wish I had something like this,” said De Voe. Advanced players also might learn a thing or two with players like Fred McPherson, Rising Sun, hanging around. He is able to present a trick shot demonstration, said De Voe. But no one should believe they are too skilled to stop down.

     “Nobody will master this game, I don’t care how good you are ... it’s so complicated,” said De Voe. The tables will be available beginning at 9 a.m. Monday through Friday. De Voe also will be writing a history of billiards for the adult center’s upcoming newsletter, said De Voe.

For more information call 1-812-539-3113

© Journal Press 2007

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