Good memories

[jay helfert]

I just felt the need to post this now. Someone asked me a few days ago what was my best memory from my years in pool and I stumbled around trying to answer them. Now that I've had a few days to think about it I have the answer. Here are my absolute best memories and they may surprise you.

First and foremost, when you own a poolroom you are providing recreation for people and I never forgot that. I remember all those nights when my place was packed, the music was playing, all the tables were going, people were eating, drinking, laughing and playing pool. For a moment I would stop what I was doing and take a long look around and feel good inside. Everybody there was having fun, enjoying themselves, and it was my doing. I had brought this venue there for them to enjoy. And it worked just the way I hoped it would. This was my good deed to the world, recreation for the body and the soul. I was happy and very satisfied that my life had some meaning, beyond just being able to make balls. Those moments where I could fully take it all in and see all the happy faces are my very best memories from this lifetime in pool!

Second and almost just as satisfying was a similar feeling at tournaments I produced and directed. The Bicycle Club events, the L.A. Opens, Hard Times, U.S. Bar Table, U.S. Open, Sands Regency, Caesars casinos and many more. Our venue's were packed as well, often with standing room only, everybody wanting to see all the great players assembled there. I would sit up on the podium and look around at all the people, excited about the matches they were seeing, watching intently. I knew they were enjoying the great pool playing just as much as I was. I was sharing my thrill with them. That made me very happy inside. They liked what they were seeing and I brought the show there and put it on. Probably the same feeling a producer of other forms of entertainment, like plays, movies, other sports, feels when the arenas are packed with an admiring audience.

Yes, in hindsight these are my best memories of my life in pool. Not winning some match or any amount of money. It was just simply putting a smile on people's faces and making their life a little more enjoyable, even if it was just for a moment in time. My life was not a waste. Thank you

 

[Black-Balled]

I just felt the need to post this now. Someone asked me a few days ago what was my best memory from my years in pool and I stumbled around trying to answer them. Now that I've had a few days to think about it I have the answer. Here are my absolute best memories and they may surprise you.

First and foremost, when you own a poolroom you are providing recreation for people and I never forgot that. I remember all those nights when my place was packed, the music was playing, all the tables were going, people were eating, drinking, laughing and playing pool. For a moment I would stop what I was doing and take a long look around and feel good inside. Everybody there was having fun, enjoying themselves, and it was my doing. I had brought this venue there for them to enjoy. And it worked just the way I hoped it would. This was my good deed to the world, recreation for the body and the soul. I was happy and very satisfied that my life had some meaning, beyond just being able to make balls. Those moments where I could fully take it all in and see all the happy faces are my very best memories from this lifetime in pool!

Second and almost just as satisfying was a similar feeling at tournaments I produced and directed. The Bicycle Club events, the L.A. Opens, Hard Times, U.S. Bar Table, U.S. Open, Sands Regency, Caesars casinos and many more. Our venue's were packed as well, often with standing room only, everybody wanting to see all the great players assembled there. I would sit up on the podium and look around at all the people, excited about the matches they were seeing, smiling, talking, watching intently. I knew they were enjoying the great pool playing just as much as I was. I was sharing my thrill with them. That made me very happy inside. They liked what they were seeing and I brought the show there and put it on. Probably the same feeling a producer of other forms of entertainment, like plays, movies, other sports, feels when the arenas are packed with an admiring audience.

Yes, in hindsight these are my best memories of my life in pool. Not winning some match or any amount of money. It was just simply putting a smile on people's faces and making their life a little more enjoyable, even if it was just for a moment in time. My life was not a waste. Thank you

Neat read, jay.

Ive always had office jobs and once worked for a worldwide touring (family) entertainment company.

It was pretty damn cool to be a part of bringing smiles to families as a work product.

 

[JG-in-KY]

Jay thank you for your contributions to pool!

 

[Nick B]

Jay you are a credit to the game. As mentioned before it would very much my wish to have Mark G and yourself one day enter the Hall of Fame. Thank you for all the efforts over the years.

 

[BasementDweller]

Very nice.

Pool always carries this paradox, where deep down we know how ridiculously trivial it is to bang balls with a stick, but yet we still pursue that all too fleeting magical moment where everything just comes together on the table. It's always been mysterious to me how I can so easily bounce from hyper competitive mode one second, then back to reality the next -- where I just enjoy experiencing the camaraderie of the occasion. This is why I pity those that get too lost in the individual pursuit of greatness WHILE ignoring the truly memorable moments one can experience together with others on this same journey. Actually, that's a large part of what keeps me coming back to AZ.

 

[Mich]

Jay thank you for all your contributions! The Sands Regent tournaments were an absolute joy to attend in person and also watch on Accu-Stats!

 

[livemusic]

The pool room you had, why did you get out of that? Sorry, don't know your full history, just have read bits and pieces now and then.

 

[Rickhem]

I was happy and very satisfied that my life had some meaning, beyond just being able to make balls. Those moments where I could fully take it all in and see all the happy faces are my very best memories from this lifetime in pool!

I had a second job for a while in an outdoor store, they sold stuff for hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, and the like, including clothing and footwear. It was a part-time retail position that paid peanuts, which I got right about when I separated from my ex, and was intended to occupy my time as much as anything else. Right from the first day, it was clearly different from my "day job". Almost everyone came back and introduced themselves to the new guy in fishing. Stark contrast to working in big pharma, doing R&D, and only knowing a small circle of coworkers. Best part of that job was that almost everyone that stopped by was there to further their hobby, share stories, and buy stuff. All positive and upbeat interactions. Even better when you get to help someone with upgrading their equipment, or being able to gain a little knowledge from the guys that did the kinds of fishing I didn't know anything about. Those nights went by fast, and it was one of my best employment experiences. I only wish that job paid better.

 

[ChrisinNC]

I just felt the need to post this now. Someone asked me a few days ago what was my best memory from my years in pool and I stumbled around trying to answer them. Now that I've had a few days to think about it I have the answer. Here are my absolute best memories and they may surprise you.

First and foremost, when you own a poolroom you are providing recreation for people and I never forgot that. I remember all those nights when my place was packed, the music was playing, all the tables were going, people were eating, drinking, laughing and playing pool. For a moment I would stop what I was doing and take a long look around and feel good inside. Everybody there was having fun, enjoying themselves, and it was my doing. I had brought this venue there for them to enjoy. And it worked just the way I hoped it would. This was my good deed to the world, recreation for the body and the soul. I was happy and very satisfied that my life had some meaning, beyond just being able to make balls. Those moments where I could fully take it all in and see all the happy faces are my very best memories from this lifetime in pool!

Second and almost just as satisfying was a similar feeling at tournaments I produced and directed. The Bicycle Club events, the L.A. Opens, Hard Times, U.S. Bar Table, U.S. Open, Sands Regency, Caesars casinos and many more. Our venue's were packed as well, often with standing room only, everybody wanting to see all the great players assembled there. I would sit up on the podium and look around at all the people, excited about the matches they were seeing, watching intently. I knew they were enjoying the great pool playing just as much as I was. I was sharing my thrill with them. That made me very happy inside. They liked what they were seeing and I brought the show there and put it on. Probably the same feeling a producer of other forms of entertainment, like plays, movies, other sports, feels when the arenas are packed with an admiring audience.

Yes, in hindsight these are my best memories of my life in pool. Not winning some match or any amount of money. It was just simply putting a smile on people's faces and making their life a little more enjoyable, even if it was just for a moment in time. My life was not a waste. Thank you

Jay, well stated! As a fellow pool room owner / manager, when I’m feeling burned out (after 27 years), as a lover of the game, it will help me to remember your words here, realize I have created something good here and I’ll get back to work!

 

[sjm]

As the saying goes, Jay, the good times will pass, but the memories are for keeps. Reminiscing is both enjoyable and therapeutic, and you've done it with passion and clarity. Thanks for sharing these thoughts.

 

[Island Drive]

Nice read Jay.
Having spent 2/3 of my working life dealing directly with the public, tending bar & auto customer service, I know that feeling. Nothing better than making someone happy due to your efforts.

 

[demonrho]

LA appreciates all the events you used to put on

 

[bbb]

Jay
thank you for all you have done and contributed to the great sport pool we all love

 

[Guy Manges]

I just felt the need to post this now. Someone asked me a few days ago what was my best memory from my years in pool and I stumbled around trying to answer them. Now that I've had a few days to think about it I have the answer. Here are my absolute best memories and they may surprise you.

First and foremost, when you own a poolroom you are providing recreation for people and I never forgot that. I remember all those nights when my place was packed, the music was playing, all the tables were going, people were eating, drinking, laughing and playing pool. For a moment I would stop what I was doing and take a long look around and feel good inside. Everybody there was having fun, enjoying themselves, and it was my doing. I had brought this venue there for them to enjoy. And it worked just the way I hoped it would. This was my good deed to the world, recreation for the body and the soul. I was happy and very satisfied that my life had some meaning, beyond just being able to make balls. Those moments where I could fully take it all in and see all the happy faces are my very best memories from this lifetime in pool!

Second and almost just as satisfying was a similar feeling at tournaments I produced and directed. The Bicycle Club events, the L.A. Opens, Hard Times, U.S. Bar Table, U.S. Open, Sands Regency, Caesars casinos and many more. Our venue's were packed as well, often with standing room only, everybody wanting to see all the great players assembled there. I would sit up on the podium and look around at all the people, excited about the matches they were seeing, watching intently. I knew they were enjoying the great pool playing just as much as I was. I was sharing my thrill with them. That made me very happy inside. They liked what they were seeing and I brought the show there and put it on. Probably the same feeling a producer of other forms of entertainment, like plays, movies, other sports, feels when the arenas are packed with an admiring audience.

Yes, in hindsight these are my best memories of my life in pool. Not winning some match or any amount of money. It was just simply putting a smile on people's faces and making their life a little more enjoyable, even if it was just for a moment in time. My life was not a waste. Thank you

And you did good Jay, Thank you...

 

[Guy Manges]

If someone were to ask me that question and I put in some thought, I would have to say in all my years of the pool games it would be my ability to play games with the young slow or retarded. To be able to see the enjoyment on their faces when they run 1,2,or 3 ball in a row. In a center a few years back I got tears in eyes from watching a young man make 3 balls and how excited he got and tell me how good he was... To have that young man tell me he could be a pool player, God knows.... This made me realize that the young are pool, It took me over seventy years to realize what trying to hard means.... Guy

 

[Guy Manges]

I just felt the need to post this now. Someone asked me a few days ago what was my best memory from my years in pool and I stumbled around trying to answer them. Now that I've had a few days to think about it I have the answer. Here are my absolute best memories and they may surprise you.

First and foremost, when you own a poolroom you are providing recreation for people and I never forgot that. I remember all those nights when my place was packed, the music was playing, all the tables were going, people were eating, drinking, laughing and playing pool. For a moment I would stop what I was doing and take a long look around and feel good inside. Everybody there was having fun, enjoying themselves, and it was my doing. I had brought this venue there for them to enjoy. And it worked just the way I hoped it would. This was my good deed to the world, recreation for the body and the soul. I was happy and very satisfied that my life had some meaning, beyond just being able to make balls. Those moments where I could fully take it all in and see all the happy faces are my very best memories from this lifetime in pool!

Second and almost just as satisfying was a similar feeling at tournaments I produced and directed. The Bicycle Club events, the L.A. Opens, Hard Times, U.S. Bar Table, U.S. Open, Sands Regency, Caesars casinos and many more. Our venue's were packed as well, often with standing room only, everybody wanting to see all the great players assembled there. I would sit up on the podium and look around at all the people, excited about the matches they were seeing, watching intently. I knew they were enjoying the great pool playing just as much as I was. I was sharing my thrill with them. That made me very happy inside. They liked what they were seeing and I brought the show there and put it on. Probably the same feeling a producer of other forms of entertainment, like plays, movies, other sports, feels when the arenas are packed with an admiring audience.

Yes, in hindsight these are my best memories of my life in pool. Not winning some match or any amount of money. It was just simply putting a smile on people's faces and making their life a little more enjoyable, even if it was just for a moment in time. My life was not a waste. Thank you

You sure found your value... Someday you must be rewarded... Guy

 

[ShootingArts]

I just felt the need to post this now. Someone asked me a few days ago what was my best memory from my years in pool and I stumbled around trying to answer them. Now that I've had a few days to think about it I have the answer. Here are my absolute best memories and they may surprise you.

First and foremost, when you own a poolroom you are providing recreation for people and I never forgot that. I remember all those nights when my place was packed, the music was playing, all the tables were going, people were eating, drinking, laughing and playing pool. For a moment I would stop what I was doing and take a long look around and feel good inside. Everybody there was having fun, enjoying themselves, and it was my doing. I had brought this venue there for them to enjoy. And it worked just the way I hoped it would. This was my good deed to the world, recreation for the body and the soul. I was happy and very satisfied that my life had some meaning, beyond just being able to make balls. Those moments where I could fully take it all in and see all the happy faces are my very best memories from this lifetime in pool!

Second and almost just as satisfying was a similar feeling at tournaments I produced and directed. The Bicycle Club events, the L.A. Opens, Hard Times, U.S. Bar Table, U.S. Open, Sands Regency, Caesars casinos and many more. Our venue's were packed as well, often with standing room only, everybody wanting to see all the great players assembled there. I would sit up on the podium and look around at all the people, excited about the matches they were seeing, watching intently. I knew they were enjoying the great pool playing just as much as I was. I was sharing my thrill with them. That made me very happy inside. They liked what they were seeing and I brought the show there and put it on. Probably the same feeling a producer of other forms of entertainment, like plays, movies, other sports, feels when the arenas are packed with an admiring audience.

Yes, in hindsight these are my best memories of my life in pool. Not winning some match or any amount of money. It was just simply putting a smile on people's faces and making their life a little more enjoyable, even if it was just for a moment in time. My life was not a waste. Thank you

Without paying it much attention I generally notice how many "likes" a post has when I click on the like button myself. I have never noticed anywhere close to this many "likes" for a thread starter and I'm sure plenty more coming.

You have contributed greatly to pool. Besides owning rooms and running events you have written some books to help keep memories and the lifestyle alive. It has to be nice to look back and be able to say "I have done these things."

Hu

 

[Island Drive]

You sure found your value... Someday you must be rewarded... Guy

She's already in his life.

 

[Fatboy]

Good stuff Jay!

 

[iusedtoberich]

That brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for sharing.