Bocce is an ancient game that is often compared to games such as bowling, golf and croquet.

One thing is for certain, for the members of the IAPC Bocce League, bocce ball means a great time.

For the last 20 years, people have been playing bocce ball at LaStella Lodge as part of the league. In fact, the game is so popular that the lodge’s courtyard holds not one but two bocce fields. The weekly tradition is steeped in Italian heritage, friendly competition and community spirit. Laughter drifts through the air and friends greet one another like family. Players share home-cooked meals and memories. And all eyes are on the bocce courts.

“They started with just the upper court but about 12 years ago they put in the lower court,” said Tim McAndrew, longtime player. “It  keeps things exciting because you can watch one game and turn and watch the other like a split-screen.”

Jason McAndrew and his father, Tim McAndrew, have been playing bocce together at LaStella Lodge for decades.

Era photo by Savannah Barr

Each Thursday night at 6 p.m. there are two games roughly every half hour until 9 p.m. Teams are made up of two players who stand at either end of a long, narrow court. At the heart of the game is the pallino, a small white ball thrown first to set the target. Players take turns tossing the larger bocce balls, aiming to get as close to the pallino as possible. The team that gets closest score points, with a maximum of four points in a single round. The first team to score 12 points is the winner.

“It is something to do for a night out,” said Theresa Carson, whose daughter started playing before she did. “Now, it is part of our summer.”

Many families in the league span multiple generations. Lucy Nuzzo, a longtime player, got her son Dylan involved about six years ago.

Kristina Luzzi, left, is playing in her first season this year. Her cousin Lucy Nuzzo got her son Dylan Nuzzo, center, involved several years ago. They say the game is a great way for families to spend time together.

Era photo by Savannah Barr

“I used to come and watch my mom play and eventually decided to join in myself,” said Dylan Nuzzo. “It gives me a reason to get out, have fun and socialize.”

The league has grown steadily from six teams to 23 teams this season. Each team names itself, and the creativity shines through with names like “Oldies but Goodies,” “Bocce Beavers,” “Bocce Bounty Hunters” and “Pallino Founders.”

Theresa Carson and Barb Pantuso of the “Golden Oldies” team.

Era photo by Savannah Barr

“There are some great names,” said league commissioner Jason McAndrew, Tim’s son.

He also writes a weekly “Bocce Roundup” highlighting scores and standout moments from the week.

While the experienced players are numerous, newcomers are always welcome. Many people say that they were drawn in by the welcoming environment.

This is Kristina Luzzi’s first year playing. She said she is having a blast, so far.

“I’ve watched the league for decades but I felt a little intimidated at first,” said Luzzi. “This is about as athletic as I get, but I shouldn’t have worried; it has been a great experience.”

Luzzi said she hopes to play bocce for many years to come.

“For me, it’s about heritage, camaraderie and fun,” Luzzi said. “Everyone wants to win, sure, but at the end of the day we’re here for a good time.”

Each week, a couple of teams volunteer to cook dinner for everyone else. Foods range from simple snacks to full meals like chicken and biscuits. Some say the food is just as much a draw as the game itself.
“It’s part of the tradition now,” said Lucy Nuzzo. “Between the food and the people, bocce brings everyone together.”

The summer league runs from May to August. A shorter fall season begins in late August and wraps up in October. This year, there is a tournament scheduled for Sept. 19 and 20.

While the rules of the game may vary across regions, the version played at LaStella Lodge remains consistent. The game is easy to learn but hard to master.

“It’s the kind of game where, just when you think you’re good, you realize you’re not,” Tim McAndrew said. “That is part of the charm of bocce ball.”

With bocce ball it doesn’t matter if you are tall or short, young or old, athletic or not. There is a place for everyone on the bocce courts.

“You don’t have to pay anything to join,” said Luzzi. “Just come on down and check us out.”

It is common for players to start out as substitute players. Cindy Olin was playing for the first time with partner Joe Murphy.

Cindy Olin takes a turn. She was playing as a substitute in her first bocce ball game.

Era photo by Savannah Barr

“They needed someone so I decided to play tonight for the first time ever,” said Olin. “I am having a great time!”

Locals will be able to enjoy even more Italian culture during this year’s Festa Italiana, slated for Aug. 8, 9 and 10. The bocce players — many of whom are Festa volunteers — take a two-week break to accommodate the event.

“You can see how vibrant Italian culture is in our area through events like these,” said Luzzi. “We love any opportunity to share our heritage and have fun with our neighbors.”