Summerville woman bowled over by job working the lanes

Behind the fun, the sturdy pins and shiny bowling balls, patrons of Dorchester Lanes will find Cleo Woody, a long-time bowler who has found her niche at the Oakbrook facility.

"I'm the cashier, I cook, and I work the front desk. I do a little bit of everything," the Summerville resident said.

Like most other businesses, Dorchester Lanes has peak times. Summer is one of those times.

"During the winter, it tends to be a bit slow," Woody said. "Business has picked up since we've opened our daycare. During the summer, all the daycares from the area bring their children out here to bowl, and we take care of them."

Woody has had 37 years of bowling experience, she said.

"I'm a bowler, so this job is perfect for me. I was bowling here five years ago and thought I'd like to work in a bowling alley," she said. "Someone told me they were looking to hire somebody, so I applied and I've been here ever since."

Although the job suits her well, Woody will tell you that it hasn't always been easy.

"I can't think of any bad aspects of this job, but if you had talked to me two to three years ago, then I would've told you that working until 2 a.m. was a bit rough," Woody said.

Woody said that clearing lanes, handling concessions and renting shoes were usual tasks during the late evening hours.

"Luckily, I don't do that anymore," Woody said.

She maintains a kind demeanor while handling a rush of young customers at the concessions stand. She said it's important that someone should do what they love, so the job doesn't really feel like work.