Spare Some Time for Bowling

     A man steps up to the ball return, a blank expression falls over his face, showing complete and utter concentration. He reaches down, first to place his hand over an airflow, drying off any sweat, or grease from his freshly cut French fries. After this, he reaches down and finds his personal ball, the red and blue swirls claiming it as his. He places his fingers in and steps up, holding the ball at shoulder height, just slightly off of his body. He silently utters something to himself, and then begins the approach. In four quick strides, he reaches the foul line and drops the ball. It slowly drifts out towards the gutter, then just as one would think it to succumb and fall, it snaps back towards the inside of the lane. The ball rockets towards it's target, and hits home. All ten of the pins fall down in a thunderous crash, as the crowd behind him exclaims, some boos, some cheers. The man turns around triumphantly; another successful frame that night.

     This situation is a common one at Milton's own Imperial Lanes. This is a very informal location, made to make any patron of any skill level feel comfortable and to have fun. As you enter the glass doors, you see a round area for people to sit their bags down, and remove any wet shoes. As you travel up the long ramp, the first thing that sticks out is the vibrant, fluorescent carpeting used in the bowling alley. The background of the carpet is black, but is decorated with designs of bowling pins and balls, and in general vibrant shapes in oranges, greens, pinks, and blues. This design is carried over onto the tables of the bowling alley, which are surrounded by gray chairs which swivel back and forth, easing access to and from them. Most of what isn't covered in this design, or blue paint, is a light wooden siding. The alley has 16 lanes in it, split down the middle between lanes 8 and 9 by four pillars, with brick bases and the pattern of the carpet continued up to the ceiling (Figure 1). The bowling alley isn't very big, but creates a very open feeling for any entering to have an entertaining night of bowling.

Figure 1

     When patrons decide to come and bowl at Imperial Lanes, it is a fairly simple and painless process. If someone would have their own ball and shoes, bring them along, but if not, that's okay too! Once at the front desk, guests are usually greeted by a woman, or two of the children of the staff across the wooden counter. At this point, guests will specify how many games they'll be playing (Usually one - three), and if balls and shoes are necessary. If needed, those will be added onto the final bill, and then after paying, guests will be directed to the lane they're bowling on. After everyone gets their balls and shoes around, names will be inputted into a large screen above the lane; every lane has one of these. They will keep the score for that game and the total across every game you play, show animations providing a reflection of how each throw was, and even show how fast the ball went! As people bowl, they get hungry and thirsty. Luckily, these feelings can be quenched with ease. There is a soda machine, and many selections of common, and simple food to make (fries, pizza, burgers, chicken tenders, etc.). These will help to keep people satisfied while they go bowling. Hopefully, the night will end up as a joyous time for the patrons, and that they'll score well in the process!

Some of the many balls
to choose from

     One big part of this job would obviously have to do with working with the public, and seeing improvement occur overtime with the regulars at the bowling alley. Imperial Lanes offers many leagues for all ages to bowl in during the week, one even being for seniors and one on the weekends for children 12 and under. The owner Andy says that this has to be one of his favorite parts of the job. He simply said, "I love working with the kids, just the public in general." He is doing what he loves, along with all the staff there, and enjoys every day of it, and interacting with the people who come into his bowling alley. A big event is whenever a bowler gets an honor score, which is a perfect game, a 300. Andy, and many of the staff said that seeing someone reach that point, staff or patron, in their bowling career is a fantastic thing to see, and one of the many highlights of the job.
    

     Andy has owned Imperial lanes for 13 years now. It has been open since December 31st, 2001. He even goes as far as to have the lanes open on New Year's Eve for business, and people can bowl until all hours of the night and help celebrate another successful year for Andy and his staff. The bowling alley is open for a 34 week season, and has varying hours based on what day it is. It then closes over the summer. A common statement from the staff would have been "The long hours are difficult" about this 34 week season. Most the staff has worked there for 10+ years and all have a strong background in bowling. One staff member has been there since he was 16, and said he got into just because it was, "The thing to do. You either bowled or you roller skated." The one goal everyone who works there has is just to enjoy the game, and improve themselves.

     Andy Neuer has been bowling for a very long time. He started at three years old, and has stuck with it. He stuck with his passion through the years, and owns a bowling alley now. He gets to spend every day doing what he loves and is passionate about. He has actually bowled on tournament before, and did this for 10 years! He has two children, who are also very skilled at bowling. His son is 13, and has already scored four 300 games! His oldest daughter is a senior in high school and has now had three honor scores. He also has the honor of coaching Milton High School's bowling team. He has helped bring those boys and girls to states many years, and helps more youth find the joy in bowling. He doesn't plan to stop bowling, or working at the bowling alley anytime soon. "I won't stop until the day I die."

     Our man from before now walked out triumphantly from his night at leagues. He scored a 197, and 287, and a 256. This overall lead to a great night for him, and one of the higher averages for the night. He even made some money via betting with teammates on how his scores would compare to others. As he walked out, he heard another crash of a strike behind him. He stopped, smiled, and walked out, excitedly waiting to continue his league season next week at Imperial Lanes.