JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
With a motivated staff and a wide array of summer and year-long programs, the Joint Base Andrews Bowling Center hosts a broad spectrum of members and regular patrons.
The center's cosmic bowling night - which includes music, music videos and a light show - is one of the most popular programs. With strong local community ties and a mission to cater to members, retirees, families, as well as young Airmen, the facility and its staff remain busy, especially with the start of the summer season June 21.
"We also have a rainy day special," said Maggie Starr, bowling center manager and employee for the past 17 years. "Any time it rains, we reduce costs to one dollar per game and shoe rentals are then 50 cents."
In addition to the discounts and special events the facility handles, they also host a number of local bowling leagues which use the bowling center's lanes for practices and tournaments.
"If someone wishes to join a bowling league, they should contact me and I will then put them in touch with the president of each league," Ms. Starr said.
Members are encouraged by the facility manager to use the center for more than just individual recreational purposes throughout the year.
"I want squadrons and other organizations to know the bowling center facility and staff are here for them, and that we can accommodate their functions," Ms. Starr said.
Current members as well as past members and their families are not the only guests served by the facility and its staff. The local ties also stretch to the community surrounding Andrews.
"Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets from high schools in the local community as well as local day care centers also use this facility," Ms. Starr said. "We also host group functions for family reunions, birthday parties, and other events."
Though the patrons may change between seasons and times of day, the main mission of the bowling center and its staff remains concentrated on the experiences of the facility's numerous guests.
"The main missions of the bowling center facility staff is to keep the lanes in working order and to provide superior customer service," Ms. Starr said. "What keeps me going is the commitment, dedication and pride that I have for the bowling center facility, staff and patrons. I'll be in this position as long as I can be."
The superior service of the facility's staff provides a clean, positive environment for families and avid bowlers.
"Everyone [on staff at the bowling center] is so friendly," said Michael Price, retired Department of Defense civilian and regular bowling center visitor. "[They're] like family [and they make this facility] like a home away from home. I know that I am always going to be greeted with a smiling face and warm people. It helps my bowling game."