Thank you, to the Florida Pinball Community

[LaurenThePurpleDragon]

Hey everyone,

As you all may know, I am moving to New Jersey at the end of the month. My last day is August 31st.

I just wanted to take this moment to share my story with you all.

Though I had never worked in pinball prior to The Pinball Dudes, I did very much enjoy playing it. I used to go to the local arcade near my house in Pennsylvania, The Pinball Gallery.

While I was very intently studying for my finals in my junior year of college, I saw an article in the Palm Beach Post that The Pinball Dudes had opened in Jupiter.

My family had recently moved to Jupiter a few years prior, and I couldn't believe it. I was so excited.

When I was on my winter break from college, we went to The Pinball Dudes to see what it was about. My dad and I spoke with Eric Francis, who said I could be an intern there over the summer.

I finished my year of college, and went to start at The Pinball Dudes in June of 2019.

On my first day, Eric got me right into the swing of things. The first game I ever got to shop was a Taxi.

Throughout the summer, I cleaned lots of games, and I had a blast.

During this summer, I also met Norma, who I know you all know. She introduced me to tournaments, and I got to participate in a couple at TPD.

After the summer, I briefly went back over the winter break of my senior year.

COVID hit, and I returned to Florida after my college closed. I started working at TPD again, full time, in March of 2021.

During this time, Eric, Fred, and others all helped me learn how to be a junior technician.

Eric and Dave gave me my first pinball machine, a Taxi!

Eric and Dave were always so kind to me!

I helped with our first tournament after we were allowed to re-start them. I had a blast.

The Pinball Dudes did Flip Frenzies on Wednesday nights, but they had to stop when covid hit.

I decided that I would continue tradition, and re-start these tournaments. Which I did at the beginning of 2022.

Despite her sickness, Norma came for my first two, because she didn't want me to have to do them alone. I miss her very much.

Then, in June, Eric passed away. I was so heartbroken. I still miss him terribly. However, I continued on, in his memory.

Through the next year and a half, I continued the flip frenzies, and then eventually the max match plays.

Now, I am moving away to start a new adventure with my boyfriend, and I am very excited. We are both originally from the northeast. And he's still there, and I am moving in with him!

However, I want to thank so many people for helping shape who I am today.

If you were a customer who wound up becoming a friend of mine, thank you.
If you were someone who attended my tournaments, thank you.
If you were someone who gave me tournament advice, thank you.
If you were someone who taught me how to tech, thank you.

Specifically, I want to thank Eric Francis, David Wilde, Norma Jennings, Chris Lemon, Andrew Garand, Fred Stab, Loren Manginelli, Bob Reed, Vince Gelormine, and Sandra Dodge. These people were fundamental for my development as a technician and in the tournament community.

 

[Sid]

Great post but I have a question.  Why in Hell would anyone move to New Jersey?

[LaurenThePurpleDragon]

Great post but I have a question.  Why in Hell would anyone move to New Jersey?

I personally love living on the shore in NJ, and I'll be working on the boardwalk so I am really happy about it

[Sid]

If you're happy, that's all that matters.  Good luck with all your future endeavors. 

[k7]

very well written up

godspeed with the adventures to be had.

but phil is right. it's jersey...lol. 

[Richie107]

Great post but I have a question.  Why in Hell would anyone move to New Jersey?

Lauren , can you do me a favor and take the group of Jersey transplants that flocked to Florida the past couple years back up to Jersey with ya?

[LaurenThePurpleDragon]

Lauren , can you do me a favor and take the group of Jersey transplants that flocked to Florida the past couple years back up to Jersey with ya?

I do not have the ability to do so, sorry

[DEXTER]

I love everything about this except NJ. 

[Jeff1960]

Now now I’m from NJ and it was a great time.
I wish you both the best of luck!

[0geist0]

Great post Lauren I wish you all the happiness in the world, I'm going to miss you. (And your dragon)

[Cigboat]

Good luck to you and your better half... You will be missed... I loved being in tourement that you were the td. I am sure the NJ croud will enjoy your enthusiasm about pinball...

[PinFever]

Good luck And buh Bye now!
 Safe travels and great prosperity.   If anything bring the weather back up to NJ and send us some cool air

[ibis]

BOOOO!!!  You can't leave!  This is like a gang, you never get to leave!

Safe travels and don't forget you will always have a family here!  It's been a pleasure getting to know you and if you need anything you have the digits, you can always reach out!