LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Flip-flops have been traded for closed-toe shoes, and comfort is now found in hooded sweatshirts and pants instead of tank-tops and shorts. Leaves have begun to change their hue, while pumpkins and gourds have started making an appearance.
These seasonal changes signify the long, hot days of summer have passed.
As cooler days have approached and warm-weather activities have faded, the 633rd Force Support Squadron still has a variety of activities and services available to keep Langley members entertained until flip-flop season returns.
"Regardless of what you're looking to do or what you enjoy doing, we have so many different activities to keep you excited and meet new friends," said Jeffrey Tessler, 633rd FSS Community Services Flight chief.
As the air turns colder and the potential for inclement weather rises, the bowling center is the perfect activity for this time of year, said Tessler. Langley Lanes offers cosmic bowling, leagues, lessons, gaming machines and pool tables.
People can also enjoy pool tables and gaming at the Community Center, with its updated computer-gaming room. The Community Center also offers musical instrument lessons, acting workshops and group martial arts lessons for the entire military community, said Tessler.
"It's not just focused on the military, it's focused on the community," said Tessler. "If you're just thinking 'how can I improve myself,' or 'how can I meet people,' the community center is the place to be."
For those who enjoy the indoors and want to pick up a new hobby, the Arts and Crafts center offers many classes this time of year for self-improvement, said Tessler. Classes include quilting, handbag sewing, jewelry making and cake decorating.
Classes aren't the only indoor activity to take advantage of during the fall and winter. Information, Tickets and Tours has upcoming group trips to NBA games, the Dover Downs Casino in Delaware, New York City and the White House.
For those wanting to get a head-start on holiday shopping, ITT also offers mall shopping trips.
Members can also take advantage of discounted tickets to area amusement parks, movie theatres, concerts, and Disney World, said Tessler.
Additionally, the cooler months may be the perfect time to get started on car maintenance or repairs before any big holiday trips. The Auto Skills Shop offers a 24-bay complex equipped for do-it-yourself projects, and certified mechanics are there to advise and assist people with projects, said Tessler.
For those who still wish to enjoy the outdoors this fall, the cooler weather is the perfect time to get out there and practice your golf swing, said Tessler. The Eaglewood Golf Course offers a customer-initiated driving range, where customers can utilize ball-dispensing machines and automated lights to golf at their convenience, day or night.
Some may enjoy other outdoor activities, like fishing and boating at the Marina, said Tessler. The Marina offers competitive-rate boat storage and other services, including access to pump out stations, wash racks, mid-grade gasoline, pavilion rental and a fish cleaning station.
The Marina isn't the only place to enjoy fishing and boating. Bethel Park, located next to the Bethel Housing area, is one of the base's best kept secrets, said Tessler. It offers many activities for those looking to adventure outdoors, including fishing, boat rentals, paddleboats and paintball.
"This time of year is prime time for getting out and enjoying paintball," said Tessler. "In the summer, having to wear all the protective equipment in the heat takes a bit of the fun out of it."
FamCamp, also located at Bethel Park, offers camping sites and RV hookups. Members can contact Outdoor Recreation for tent and RV rentals to utilize at FamCamp, said Tessler.
"If you have a special need or are looking to put your own package together, touch base with Outdoor Recreation and see if there's something that can be worked out," said Tessler. "We try to give the best value we can to the customer in whatever we're doing."
For the adventurous, Outdoor Recreation also offers winter sport equipment rentals, including snowboard and ski packages, said Tessler. They also provide snow/ski board sharpening and waxing services.
No matter the season, FSS hopes its activities bring Langley great value and a sense of community, said Tessler.
"We try to make sure that we are priced competitively to get the military member and the community the best price that we can," said Tessler. "You're not just a customer, you're a member of our family, and we always make sure that people are taken care of properly."
Whatever your preferences are, FSS offers an array of activities that are bound to pique your interest this season. For more information on these activities, and to see what else FSS has to offer, visit http://www.jbleforcesupport.com/.
Langley Food & Dining:
Game Time Sports Grill
764-4547
630 Weyland Road
The King Pin Kafe
764-2433
75 Nealy Avenue
Langley Club
766-1361
128 Benedict Avenue
Marina Snack Bar
764-7220
202 Thornell Avenue
Rickenbacker's at Langley Inn
70 Nealy Drive
764-4667 ext. 9006
Langley Sports, Recreation and Travel:
Eaglewood Golf Course
764-4547
630 Weyland Road
Bowling Center
764-2433
75 Nealy Avenue
Auto Skills
764-3978
35 Ash Avenue
Outdoor Recreation
764-7170 and 764-6510
77 Holly Street
Information, Tickets, and Tours
764-7176
62 Walnut Avenue