Schilling provides variety of activities for base community Published July 11, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Christopher Marasky 18th Wing Public Affairs KADENA AB, Japan -- Kadena's Schilling Community Center provides the members of Team Kadena with a one-stop location for all of their activity needs. Offering everything from recreational activities to classes on personal and financial improvement, the Schilling seeks to provide fully encompassing programs for the entire base population, said Daniel Affleje, programmer and assistant director of the Schilling. "We have activities for everyone, from single Airmen to families," he said. "We try to really look at our full-spectrum audience to see what we can provide for everyone. " The ultimate goal of the Schilling, according to Amelia Lockamy-Keller, director of the Schilling, is to meet the needs of Airmen, families, retirees and civilians in four core areas: personal and professional development, performing arts, leisure and recreation, and family and life skills. "Many of our programs will hit three of those core areas," said Ms. Lockamy-Keller. "I do a check in my head every time we start. What area are we missing and what can we fill it with? I keep focusing on what our goal is and work to make it happen." On a daily basis, the Schilling offers activities such as miniature golf, a skate park and a cyber café -- all free of charge. Additionally, the center offers weekly fee-based activities and classes such as Hula, Swing and belly dancing. The Schilling also provides support for large-scale events such as the recent AmericaFest and the Air Force performance group "Tops in Blue." "One of our major upcoming events is the Missoula Children's Theatre," said Mr. Affleje. "They will fly out here and have auditions for the show July 21. Then the children will practice all week, and perform two shows for the base July 26." "It's worth everyone's time to come out and watch these kids," said Ms. Lockamy-Keller. "It's amazing what they can do in one week's time." Additionally, the center's Information, Tickets and Tours office helps those who are looking to travel around the island and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. "Our staff is phenomenal; if they don't know where it is you want to go, they'll look it up for you to show you how to get there," said Mr. Affleje. "They'll help get people off the base and into the local community to have fun." By all accounts, the Schilling staff has excelled at their mission to provide a diverse range of activities for personnel stationed at Kadena. They were awarded "Best in Air Force" in 2007 in the programs area for the second year in a row. Their goal is to make it three years running, said Ms. Lockamy-Keller. "Come to the Schilling and see what we have to offer," she said. "Or you can check onto ICE to give us your thoughts, comments and needs and we'll see how we can better help you." For more information on classes or other activities, call 634-1387.