A young Heather Porter was tutored by some of the top volunteers in the York Simcoe zone. Individuals such as Jack and Betty Hill guided Heather through her days in the Youth Bowling Council (YBC) at Allencourt Lanes. Heather was the Press Secretary for her league and, working with Ian Cameron, submitted articles to the local paper, the Richmond Hill Liberal. In tournaments, this instruction led to success in the 4 Steps to Stardom. In 1973, Heather represented Ontario as a Junior in the National finals in Saskatoon.

By 1979, at just 20 years old, Heather was upping her involvement in bowling as she was named the YBC Program Director at Pro Bowl, another Richmond Hill centre. In 1983, as a new master bowler, Heather represented ABC Bowl and found herself under the guidance of not only the Hills but also Ernie and Betty Wolfreys and Bill and Ev Jones.

In 1983, Heather qualified for the Export “A” National Classified. This was a team event and despite being six months pregnant with her daughter Cheryl, Heather contributed to a gold medal victory at Motor City Bowl in Oshawa. At ABC Bowl, Heather and Bill Jones began a tyke league for the young bowlers. Heather qualified for the Provincial Open four times from 1986 to 1991, including two times in the singles, three Ladies’ teams and, in 1991 a Mixed team. By this time, Heather was married to John Cresswell and together they raised four children, Darryl, Cheryl, Andrew (AJ) and John (JM).

Heather began to work with the York Simcoe zone and chaired the annual North/South dance. This yearly event drew upwards of 400 attendees and included bowling, dinner, and a dance. Heather canvassed the area and secured a variety of prizes for the participants.

Now fully involved with York Simcoe, Heather assumed the roles of Secretary, Publicity Chair, Kids Help Phone Chair, Average Book Chair, Coaching Coordinator, and North/South Chair before assuming the Presidency in 2002. Heather was named Coaching Coordinator of the Year on six occasions and the York Simcoe zone has won top honours eight times since 2003, including as recently as the 2019-20 season.

As a volunteer, Heather not only worked with York Simcoe, but she was also a school volunteer with her children. For many years she coordinated and sold thousands of 50/50 tickets at the Provincial Open. In 2007, Heather began a marketing program with the Ontario 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association. From a modest beginning of $2,500 received in year one, this program has grown to close to $10,000 in some years. As well, in this effort, Heather has been joined by a Co-chair, Brenda Hamilton, as they continue to grow this fundraising opportunity. These achievements have been formally recognized by the York Simcoe Association and she was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2016.

Outside of the bowling world, Heather ran an “in-home” daycare for 34 years. With her husband John’s support, both Heather and John were caregivers to her late mother as she lived with them for 30+ years. Through her years with her mother, Heather now wants to chronicle these experiences in a book, as her mother was a continued driving force in her success.

During this time Heather also established herself as a top Avon salesperson and continues in that role to this day. She also began a public speaking program with the United Way and participates in a mentorship initiative with the Ontario Care Giving Association.

Heather and John are now proud grandparents of 31 month-old Matteo and five month-old Gianluca Mirabella. Both youngsters offer many babysitting opportunities. Heather has indicated that she intends to retire from bowling, following the Annual General Meeting of the Ontario 5 pin Bowlers’ Association in 2023. She plans to complete her book about her mother and herself, spend more quality time with her grandchildren and mentor future caregivers in their respective roles. Be assured, she leaves big shoes to fill, and it is obvious that Heather will continue to be a force in the world of tomorrow.