Roger Hare – General Manager of Meridian Bowling Lanes
Meet Roger Hare, General Manager of Meridian Bowling Lanes. If visiting the lanes you may see him at the front desk, behind the snack bar, resetting a pin or two, or chatting with the many regulars and league players that enjoy Roger’s desire to give everyone that comes into MBL the best experience!
The haircut may have given it away, Roger recently retired from the Army after an incredible 34 years of service. An avid bowler for the past 15 years Roger has traveled and competed in many tournaments throughout the Western States and even participated in Nationals. Roger has bowled 5 “299” games but the perfect “300” has eluded him, but not for long he teases!!!
Little known fact is that Roger is an avid woodworker. He built a 10 foot scale, working, ferris wheel, this last Christmas, what focus and detail to create something so magnificent. The same focus and detail he brings each and every day to MBL. What is Roger’s favorite part of working at MBL? He says, “it’s simple, it’s the customers. They are all unique and fun and they inspire me. I truly enjoy being a part of the MBL family and love what I do!”
Thank you Roger, we love you too!!! Come on in, say “hi” to Roger, he would love to meet you!
Alisa Hare – Snack Bar and Front Desk Manager
Meet Alisa Hare, The last name may sound familiar and yes she is married to General Manager Roger Hare, but get the timing straight, Alisa was the first Hare to be working at Meridian Bowling Lanes! Alisa has been with Meridian Lanes for the last 6 years and proudly states she will be here until it is time for her to retire.
Originally born in Kansas and been in Kuna, Idaho for the last 16 years, Alisa has been a military wife beside Roger for the last 34 years and here they are joined again, side by side, proudly serving Meridian Lanes “The best bowling alley in all of the Treasure Valley”, Alisa chimes in! Alisa’s passion for people shines through and you can hear the care in her voice when she talks about meeting new bowlers, regulars and her favorite, all of the seniors in the senior league. Alisa’s grill skills are second to none, have you had their burger? She enjoys making the homemade taco soup served weekly and the most popular items ordered, can you guess? Chicken strips and fries!
Alisa is an avid bowler and has bowled for the past 15 years and she participates in the Sunday League – She thinks her team keeps her for her handicap, but you can bet she can pick up a spare or crash a strike or two! Alisa and Roger have two children and 6 grandchildren (5 granddaughters and 1 grandson) and they enjoy spending time with them. They could be camping and fishing at Cascade, which is where she envisions where her and Roger will retire. Alisa is known as someone with tremendous commitment, fortitude and strength. You can see that with the joy she brings to her jobs at MBL and love and care in the food she proudly prepares and serves to those new and old at Meridian Bowling Lanes. Pop on in, see her at the desk or behind the grill, she would love for you to say “hi”.
Shon Newberry – Front Desk Supervisor
Meet Shon, Meridian Lanes Front Desk Supervisor. Shon describes himself as a full coverage employee and a jack of all trades. He is here, he is there, he is everywhere!! Shon has been with Meridian Lanes as an employee since October 2011, but Shon is actually a 3rd generation Meridian Lanes loyal!
His grandparents and parents bowled at Meridian lanes over many decades! Shon grew up in Meridian and has one younger brother. They are bowling siblings and Shon graciously gives credit to his “southpaw” brother, “he is better, he has thrown upwards of 15 “300” games, I’ve bowled just one perfect game”. Shon and his brother are looking forward to playing with Roger Hare Senior and Junior in the Team of the Year Tournament in the near future. When asked what is something funny that has happened while at MBL Shon asserts, “I’m the prankster, no one pranks me” – is that a challenge……anyone? Shon loves playing street hockey and video games in his free time and is a big soccer and ice hockey fan. Liverpool and DC Capitals being “his” teams! An animal lover, Shon loves dogs, especially English Sheep dogs and has a cat named “Riley”.
What does Shon love about Meridian Lanes? The regulars. Monday, Senior League is a highlight of the week, everyone is chatty and tells great stories. Everyone knows everyone else and many have seen Shon grow up and into the dedicated, thoughtful and diligent MBL employee. What you might find him ordering from the snack bar is the mushroom burger and after hours maybe a Whiskey Sour. Shon takes pride in being able to help grow the sport of bowling, and has seen many positives in the years. Usually lanes are lonely in the summertime but since the pandemic Shon has seen the lanes full and continues to see the base customers grow. The community feeling of MBL and the culture keeps Shon dedicated to being a part of the MBL Team. We are lucky to have Shon onboard. Stop by and say “hi” to Shon, catch up on some tournament news, upcoming leagues or some chit-chat on hockey.
In Memoriam
Chris Maccarillo, Strikes Lounge at Meridian Bowling Lanes
Chris passed away in March of 2022 surrounded by her family after a sudden illness. Originally from Hailey, ID Chris had been in the Treasure Valley for the last 30 years and loved spending time with her family and her dog Stella. Chris loved Strikers Lounge and was instrumental in bringing darts to Strikers and creating the growth of the dart leagues. Chris recently retired from full-time bartending with Strikers after more than 26 years. Her humor and sincere care for every customer will be deeply missed.