Community center is where the fun starts

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- As people begin their tours at the place known as the Tip of the Sword, they often wonder what is there to do here. The 39th Services Squadron would tell you that the Incirlik Community Center is where the fun starts.

"We are Incirlik's first stop for gifts, games and fun," said Selina Moorer, 39th SVS community center assistant director. "The community center always has plenty of activities, events, and tournaments the Incirlik community can participate in."

Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, the community center has programs from X-Box tournaments to flea markets to movie night to keep the "Lik" entertained, as well as supporting birthday parties across the base.

"We are the hub of Incirlik," said Seckin Atmis, 39th SVS community center recreation specialist. "In the past year we have helped put up more than 1,500 smiling faces by supplying cakes, punch, ice cream and bouncy castles for our ballroom birthday parties."

Some of the services provided at the community center include:

The Ballroom - It can be reserved for birthday parties, squadron parties, wedding receptions, or any special event.

The "Just Because" Balloon and Gift Shop - The one and only local source for balloons and coordinating gift products. From balloons and bears to beautiful ceramics and more.

Cyber Lounge - Stay in touch with family and friends, play games, check your e-mail or just surf the net. The cost is free!

If those are not the services you require, people can come enjoy self-directed activities such as, oldies but goodies movies, PlayStation 2 and X-box games, big screen TVs, VCR and DVD players, stereo system, piano, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bongos, violins, keyboard, billiards, table tennis, air hockey, darts, a variety of board games, and a beautiful outdoor patio for dining or relaxing.
If people want to learn something new all they have to do is call 676-6966 or stop by Building 970 to sign up for classes to include:

Conversational Turkish
6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays

Conversational English
6 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays

Piano Lessons
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday

Belly Dancing Class
5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays

Turkish Cooking Class
6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday

People can find out about additional classes by stopping by the community center or giving them a call.

"We are here to serve the Incirlik community," said Mrs. Moorer. "If you are at the "Lik" and don't know what to do just stop by, because we are the place where the fun starts."