She's been a fixture there as long as there's been Rolling Meadows Lanes
Three days a week, Carmela Motisi of Rolling Meadows takes her familiar place behind the counter at AMF Rolling Meadows Lanes.
It's a routine she knows well. For 50 years she has commanded her post there, doing everything from handing over shoes and taking payment from customers, to working the computerized touch screen that operates each lane.
What makes her role even more remarkable, is that she turns a significant milestone right along with the bowling alley this year.
While Rolling Meadows Lanes reaches 50 years in the community, Motisi turns 90.
"She's a love," says Ron Cook of Rolling Meadows, a regular in one of the senior leagues. "She's such a happy lady, and she's quick and smart and doesn't miss a thing."
Family members threw Motisi a party last weekend, and customers have begun sending her cards in advance of her birthday on Nov. 23.
"Just to see someone on the job for 50 years, that's an accomplishment in itself," said Dave Schuman of Buffalo Grove, a relatively new customer who moved his summer golf foursome indoors to try bowling.
Motisi has been there to show them the ropes and help them get acquainted with the facility, something she's been doing since before the place opened.
"I guess I won't complain about my age any more," quips 79-year old Len Mager of Palatine.
Motisi said that when she started she was holed up in a trailer out in the parking lot, making phone calls to drum up interest in the leagues and lessons.
"It's amazing when you tell people that story, that she started here in a trailer," says Manager Mark Grissy. "People always ask about her when she's not here.
Motisi worked her way up to manager, before going part-time several years ago, concentrating on working days when many of the senior leagues play.
Through it all, she has seen lots of changes, particularly with the computerized scoring system.
"She's pretty remarkable," adds Manager Vera Hackett, "when you think of how she's had to adjust to the computers."
Standing less than five feet tall, Motisi barely can reach the computers on the counter, which light up individual lanes. But she is not deterred. She has rolled with the changes over the years, and in the process been able to keep her job.
"It's almost like entertainment for me," quips the pint-size Motisi. "You see different people every day. It's sure better than sitting at home."