TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- When people need to frame something their first inclination might be to search for a frame shop in the local phone book. When they need to order trophies or T-shirts, they might browse the internet for the cheapest place to go. When people have car problems, they might ask their friends to recommend an honest repair shop. What many people do not realize is you can get all of these services right here on Travis.
These services are co-located in building 226, behind the gas station and Firestone.
The Auto Hobby Center offers vehicle stalls that include lifts for the do-it-yourselfers. For those who don't want to get dirty, they offer oil changes, diagnostic checks, brake service and tire services. Along with their service, the Auto Hobby Shop has a knowledgeable staff to assist with a multitude of automotive needs.
In the same building is the Travis Arts and Crafts Center, which houses the Custom Frame Shop, the Custom Embroidery Shop and the Engraving and Sublimation Shop.
"A common misconception is that these shops are only for military use," said Tricia Jagger, Arts and Crafts assistant director and class programmer. "We get a lot of orders for retirements and other official functions, but we do more than just military. Anyone who has base access can use our services."
The Custom Embroidery Shop offers embroidery on hats or shirts for a small fee.
"One of the more common things is when people want to put names on backpacks," said Megan Favaro, Custom Embroidery Shop employee and wife of Airman 1st Class John Favaro, 60th Maintenance Squadron. "The cost for lettering is $3 for every eight letters."
The Engraving and Sublimation Shop can handle a broad spectrum of needs.
"We have the laser, which etches into glass acrylic or wood," said Susan Hubbard, shop supervisor. "We also have a rotary tool we use for knives, coins and other metals. Then we have sublimation, with which we can take pretty much and colored image or design and put it on a variety of formats."
Hubbard emphasized that the Engraving and Sublimation Shop is a great place to find unique gifts for birthdays and holidays.
"We can put almost any image or message you bring us on license plate frames, lanyards, clocks, plaques, ties and pretty much anything else you can think of," she said. "We are also much more affordable than anywhere off base."
In an effort to expand the services available to Travis patrons, the Travis Arts and Crafts Center is offering a variety of classes beginning in October.
"We will have framing, acrylic painting, beginning cake decorating and even beginning acting classes," Jagger said. "The classes will be progressive, so October will be beginning drawing then it might change to intermediate drawing in November."
When trying to figure out where to go to get a picture framed, car work done or a trophy made, put down the phone book and look to your base guide. The resources are available and the staff is ready to help you, Jagger said.
"Like all our programs, the classes are available to anyone with base access," she said. "We look forward to the opportunity to serve our Travis family."
For more information visit www.60thFSS.com.