Post-CUI picnic, Summer Buzz Expo scheduled Published June 11, 2013 66th Force Support Squadron HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- A post-consolidated unit inspection picnic is scheduled during the Summer Buzz Expo at the running track here June 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include free food and vendors from the base and local community. Senior leaders will identify CUI star performers and provide overall CUI feedback. Inspectors from Air Force Materiel Command spent the past ten days reviewing Hanscom's emergency management readiness, Air Force Instruction compliance and the ability of Hanscom deployers to survive and operate. "Teaming the post CUI picnic with the Summer Buzz Expo is a great way to recognize all of Team Hanscom's hard work in preparing for and hosting the AFMC inspectors and letting personnel know of a great program designed to help folks recharge and renew," said Vic Hayes, 66th Force Support Squadron director. Summer Buzz, a new interactive program designed to encourage Hanscom team members to get out, have fun and explore the local area and New England this summer, will kick-off at the same time. The 66th Force Support Squadron has developed a "bucket-list" of more than 90 activities that engages all ages and rewards those who participate with a chance to win prizes valued up to $700. The website, www.CatchTheBuzzWithFSS.com, is scheduled to go live June 19. By signing up for a Summer Buzz virtual passport at the Expo, personnel will receive a free Summer Buzz T-shirt, water bottle and Frisbee. "We'll be handing out free stuff at the Expo and then at Outdoor Rec after the event," said Russell Jackson, community program coordinator. In addition, passport holders will be eligible to win "You Got Stung" prizes during the Expo and throughout the summer. The Summer Buzz website, www.CatchTheBuzzWithFSS.com, will serve as the focal point of information and participation for the program. "Folks can check out Summer Buzz activity ideas on our new website instead of trying to sift through all the information provided in a Google search that doesn't really tell you what real people know and think about the activity," said Jackson. Each category will include nine specific suggestions. The program allows participants to create a virtual passport, where they will upload and display pictures from activities they have done. "Because passports will be shared on a public website, users can choose to use a nickname to be anonymous" said Carolyn McCafferty, 66th Force Support Squadron operations officer. "The passport and brief description allows Summer Buzz participants to share their experiences with our community." FSS organizers will provide a "blog-like" update to keep experiences relevant and provide additional insight and excitement throughout the summer. To win prizes, participants need to create their accounts and post photos to their Passports. "Then they go out, have fun and upload photos," said McCafferty. Organizers went on to say that after as few as three activities are posted to their Passport, they will be entered into a drawing for prizes to stay free at Fourth Cliff. More pictures can lead to a night at a luxury hotel in Boston or a resort in New Hampshire. Rules and details include: 1. Participants must get their gear when signing up for the Summer Buzz Passport at the Expo or online. 2. Take a picture that includes Summer Buzz Gear to ensure adventures are authentic. For example, a photo of the beach sandcastle with a Summer Buzz water bottle or share a photo of friends wearing Summer Buzz apparel at the entrance to a museum. 3. Participants then submit their picture to passport via mobile device or website by certain dates to win prizes ranging in value from $200 to $700. Summer Buzz continues after the kick-off Expo with "Whip it up, Wednesday" starting July 10 where participants can check out the special deals, grab a bite for lunch and win prizes. "We're taking this program out to the base and community," said Jackson. "The FSS Summer Buzz vehicle will be at a different location every Wednesday during lunch to give away more freebies and prizes and provide attendees with FSS program options, such as learning to ride a Segway and getting a free putting lesson from our PGA golf pro." Jackson explained the bus or truck may be sighted at Lincoln Labs, the clinic or near the 1600 series buildings. More information will be available when the website is launched. In addition to the activities in the "bucket-list" categories, there will be four "Hayes Dayz" that folks can enjoy. "Summer Buzz is more than just a resource of fun activities," said Hayes. "FSS will host four events this summer to physically bring our community together to complement the Summer Buzz virtual network." The four activities include a 21-plus tailgate party at a Patriots pre-season game at Gillette Stadium on August 29, a local Walden Pond Family day where families picnic and learn to Kayak from outdoor recreation, a beach outing to Ogunquit Maine and a night out at Hampton Beach. FSS wants everyone to catch the Summer Buzz. Look for more information over the next few weeks at www.HanscomServices.com.