Arts and Crafts Center, auto and wood shop an on-base treasure to be discovered

  • Published
  • By Nick Stubbs
  • Thunderbolt Staff Writer
MACDILL AFB, Fla. --  The holiday season is upon us - a time for home and family, a message close to the hearts of the folks at the MacDill Arts and Crafts Center.

The center is encouraging all MacDill members to visit during its open house days between Nov. 30 through Dec. 4. The event is a tradition, and the staff pull out all the stops to ensure there is plenty to see, lots of creative gift ideas, not to mention warm wassail and snacks.

Shopping on base helps support MacDill, but also helps those looking for something more than the ordinary gifts this holiday season. Many of the items are particularly appropriate for military members and family, making the Craft Center a specialty shop of sorts for servicemembers. There are other advantages, said Tammy Zell, center manager.

"We do have things you might not find off-base at most stores," she said. "If you do find them, they usually will cost more, and of course there is no tax here to pay."

The center anticipates the Trackster cars will be a hot item this season. A toy and game played on-line, the center has some of the first series of cars made, making it an obvious choice for those looking to collect.

"If they are just getting into it and want to get their hands on the first run of them, we are a must stop," said. Ms. Zell. "You are not going to find these anywhere else right now."

There will be special prizes for the first 60 visitors on the first day of the open house Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a choice of a free Trackster car or Kookies animal. On Dec. 4, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., the Auto Hobby Shop open house will present free Snap-On tools and Advanced Auto Parts gifts while supplies last. There will be additional drawings throughout the week.

The open house is a great way to draw attention to the shop and all the services it offers, said Ms. Zell, who says each week "someone wanders in who didn't realize we were here, or what we have to offer."

In addition to goods, the center has a framing shop, awards shop, wood shop and a wide range of auto maintenance services and do-it-yourself auto repair options.

"It surprises me to find out that people don't know about us," said Ms. Zell, adding the discovery of the center often is a pleasant surprise for base patrons. "Once they find out about us, they tend to come back."

For more information, contact the Arts and Crafts Center at 828-4413.