BY SAPNA PATHAK

It was during World War II when Marg Bruner tried it to keep herself occupied.

Now, more than 60 years later, the Concord native still turns to bowling to keep her active and her friends close.

On Aug. 10, the 95-year-old impressed in this year’s Granite State Senior Games 10-pin bowling tournament.

Bruner placed first in the 85-plus age division, winning a gold medal in her first GSSG appearance.

“I began bowling in the 1940s,” said Bruner. “Then in 1980, I joined a league where I could compete once a week and kept it going. I made some great friends through bowling, and we still play every week. It’s a wonderful way to see each other.”

Though she suffers from macro-degeneration, lost her peripheral eyesight two years ago and cannot hear through her right ear, Bruner never let her love of bowling decrease. Bruner bowls with friends Helen Amazeen and Larry Pelland, both of Concord.

Amazeen and Pelland also bowled in this year’s GSSG, which took place at Stadium Lanes in Manchester.

“I consider her one of my teachers,” said Pelland. “She’s got this attitude for life that we should all strive to have. She hasn’t let anything stop her from doing what makes her happy.”

Bruner also plays dominoes with pals Mary Holmes and Barbara Gray; both were on hand to cheer on their friend.

Aiming for the center pin and using her own specialized, light-weight bowling balls, Bruner rolled an 89 in her first set.

“It’s absolutely wonderful,” said Gray. “If she can do this every week, go for it. Some people are surprised to hear she’s 95 and she bowls, but it’s a beautiful thing. She sets a good example for all of us.”

Bruner said she simply bowls because she enjoys it.

“It’s very nice to hear that others are impressed I am still bowling,” said Bruner. “But I just tried it to do something with my friends during the war. I never thought I’d still be doing it, but I know I will keep bowling for as long as I can.”