Arts and Crafts center reopens March 20 Published March 14, 2014 By 2nd Lt. Justin Nichols 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Arts and Crafts Center is scheduled to re-open March 20 after more than two months with the lights out and the doors locked. Arts and Crafts, along with the Auto Skills Center, were closed Dec. 31, 2013, due to the loss of Air Force appropriated funding. 71st Flying Training Wing leadership analyzed multiple business models to determine if the Arts & Crafts Center could reopen using non-appropriated fund dollars and be self-sustainable. This analysis determined the center should be self-sustainable if operated with reduced days and hours of operation. "The Arts and Crafts Center was among the most consistently used Services activities and was one of our crown jewels here at Vance," said Lt. Col. Jodi Riley, the 71st Force Support Squadron commander. "We are really excited to bring it back." The center will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Services provided will be the same as before the closing last year. "These services include custom framing, engraving and the woodworking shop," said Riley. "We are looking at bringing back woodworking classes once the new operations establish a rhythm." Retired Chief Master Sgt. Steve Long and Avery Pillatzke were hired to run the center. The Auto Skills Center will not reopen, and its equipment will be sold in a non-appropriated fund sale from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., March 28, on a first come, first served basis. Some big-ticket items will be sold by silent auction. The equipment can be previewed from 2 to 4 p.m., March 27. For more information, contact the 71st FSS, 213-5587.