Grand opening of Minuteman Commons scheduled for Sept. 8

  • Published
  • By Sarah Olaciregui
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Food, fun and fireworks are on the agenda for the grand opening of the Minuteman Commons - formerly the Minuteman Club - Sept. 8.

Officials from the 66th Force Support Squadron are making sure the Hanscom community can get a taste of what the new community center has to offer during this special event.

"The grand opening will offer a little bit of something for everyone," said Maj. Joe Green, 66th FSS deputy commander and a member of the grand opening team. "Whether you are a military member with a family, a single Airman, retiree, spouse or even a civilian or contractor, we want you to come out and see what the commons is all about."

Grand opening festivities will begin at 3 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. From there, attendees will be invited inside to take a look at all the changes and learn what this new community center has to offer.

"Celebrity Chef Herb Mesa will be in attendance to recognize the winner of the Air Force Fit Family Healthy Recipe Contest and spend time with folks attending the grand opening," said Major Green. "We'll also be highlighting the new caterer's services and promoting and accepting reservations from patrons who wish to host an event."

In addition to the food, there will be ping pong, pool and washers tournaments, face painting, video games and balloons for kids, along with giveaways for all.

Giveaways will include T-shirts, Red Sox tickets and more.

At 5 p.m., Dub Apocalypse, a reggae band, will begin playing on the patio.

At approximately 7:45 p.m., weather permitting, all grand opening attendees will be invited outside to watch a fireworks display.

"Since the weather did not permit us to have a fireworks show during Summer Bash, we will be able to shoot them off during our grand opening festivities," said Russ Jackson, 66th FSS community programs manager, who will be organizing and leading a lot of new programs and activities at the commons.

After the fireworks, attendees will be invited to stick around in The Tavern, formerly the Patriot Lounge, to enjoy music, drinks and watch the opening game for the NFL on the new 70 inch flat screen TV.

Although grand opening festivities are planned for Sept. 8, other activities and events are already scheduled for the commons after the kickoff event.

Part of the Sept. 11 tenth anniversary memorial ceremony will take place at the commons on Sept. 9. Later that same day, Heritage of Freedom will be held in the ballroom.

On Sept. 10 the Hanscom Spouses Club will hold their meet and greet in the ballroom and Sept. 11 will be the kickoff for Football Frenzy.

The week after the grand opening includes a Washers Tournament and Wings Night on Wednesday and more.

"We want people to get excited about the commons," said Mr. Jackson. "It will be the new hub of the base. If it's happening, it's happening at the commons."


Grand Opening Schedule
3 p.m.: Open the Minuteman Commons
3 p.m.: Music, beverages and complimentary snacks available, Parking Lot
3-7:30 p.m.: Bouncy Castle, Parking Lot
3 p.m.: Sponsors/Vendors, Parking Lot
3:30 p.m.: Ribbon Cutting, Parking Lot
3:45 p.m.: 66th FSS and Vendors Information Fair, Hanscom Ballroom
3:45-5:30 p.m.: Holiday Reservation Table, Commons Lobby
3:45-7:30 p.m.: Food and beverages provided by caterer, Hanscom Ballroom
3:45-7:30 p.m.: Kids activities: face painting, video games, balloons, The Den and Heritage room
3:45-7:30 p.m.: ping pong, pool, washers, The Tavern and Musket room
3:45-7:30 p.m.: DJs, The Tavern and Hanscom Ballroom
5:00-7:30 p.m.: Dub Apocalypse (Reggae Band), Parking Lot
5:00-7:30 p.m.: Giveaways, The Tavern
7:45-8:15 p.m.: Fireworks, Parking Lot