Of the two dozen players who joined Salerno to play at the new bocce courts on Monday, Aug. 14, half were novices. 

“It’s not like bowling — you don’t wind up in this game,” said Salerno. 

After arranging two teams of four, Salerno assumed the position of referee — and coach — for the first rounds. 

The goal of the game is to roll the ball closest to the pallina, a small white ball, without hitting the backboard.

Bocce is said to have originated in ancient Egypt, then was adopted by Greece and Italy.

Salerno shared another version of the story that was slightly different. He says bocce started in Italy, where Roman soldiers began to play for entertainment during battles.  

The bocce ball courts are the most recent addition to Onset, on the corner of CW Bishop Avenue and Highland Avenue.

Kathy White and her husband Sonny Walton just moved to Onset two months ago. They joined “to get out in the fresh air and meet new people,” said White.

“These are your people,” said Donna Cudworth, a friend of White — and a more experienced bocce player. 

“This is our village,” added White. 

The courts, which were purchased with a donation from the Salerno family, are open for public use.

“I thought there would be a lot of interest in it,” said Salerno. “Everyone can do something fun.”

“They even made new friends – that’s what it’s all about,” he said, gesturing to the players. 

Salerno will be continuing his bocce lessons on Mondays and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Onset courts. Equipment will be provided at these times.