News

Back in Business: Base hobby shops set to reopen this summer

  • Published
  • By Brian Shreve
  • Robins Public Affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The Auto Hobby and Wood Skills shops are scheduled to reopen this summer, signaling good news for those discouraged by the popular facilities' closing earlier this year.

This time, the shops will operate as member-run clubs with enthusiasts maintaining operations themselves with oversight from the Force Support Squadron, according to Kent Jenkins, 78th FSS Community Flight chief.

Now known as the Wood Craft Club and Car Care Club, the facilities will remain located on Tenth Street at Bldgs. 981 and 985 respectively.

"We're working a consolidation of some of our activities that will give us the opportunity to open similar type operations to what we had before," he said. "This allows us to reintroduce these services that people have asked about and have sorely missed."

As clubs, the shops will have their own board of directors and will be self-funded through membership dues - though FSS will assist with the facility infrastructure and safety training.

There will still be personnel available at the shops to provide expertise for those who need assistance.

Jenkins added that the management of the shops would be similar to that practiced at the base horse stables.

"Our intentions here are that members keep the places clean and tweak the machinery," he said. "And then, we'll have those people in place who can help them if they have any questions."

Those paying a monthly membership fee will be allowed to use the club whenever they choose. Anyone who doesn't want to join the club formally can use the facility by paying a daily usage fee.

Once consolidation efforts are complete, which would include outdoor recreation equipment relocated to the area behind the hobby shops, the facilities are expected to be up and running by the end of July, said Jenkins.

"We're in the process of working the charter that customers would have to follow," he said. "But it shouldn't be an issue as long as we can get enough people who want to join the club."

The shops - formerly run by mostly volunteers - were closed in February due to Air Force-wide budget cuts. Since then, Jenkins and his cohorts had been searching for other options to bring the services back to Robins.

Before closing, both shops were fixtures at the base known for providing do-it-yourself convenience for the past 20 years or so, places where Airmen and others could access equipment and expert instruction for a minimal fee.

According to Jenkins, club members are needed in order for the reopening to be a success, and anyone interested in joining may contact him at 478-327-5915.