FORT RUCKER, Ala. (September 6, 2012) -- Picerne Military Housing hosts a free Ice Cream Social Sept. 12 to celebrate the passing of summer from 2-4 p.m. at the Bowden Terrace community center.

The annual occasion is a resident-only event that is held under the large oak tree at the center and Brandon Masters, communications manager at Picerne Military Housing, said the social is one way residents can enjoy one of the last days of the summer season.

"We like to have the social at the end of the summer when it's not too miserable to be outside, but still warm enough to enjoy eating ice cream and cool off with a drink in the sun. It will be nice for residents to get some ice cream and relax under the shade of the tree," he said.

Picerne will set up tables, chairs and blankets. Picerne will also provide ice water to keep everyone hydrated, and to keep hands sticky free they will provide napkins to clean up hands and faces, Masters said.

The ice cream is provided by the Dothan Cold Stone Creamery and will be served in bowls for the convenience of children and parents. Masters added that the creamery was bringing top-notch toppings to seal the deal on flavors like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry.

Masters said that the social will have a festive atmosphere with games, music and balloons.

"We will be doing a spin-the-wheel game where children can spin a board and win a prize. Every slot has a prize, so there will be a winner every time."

The event is completely free for Picerne residents, encouraging Families to come out to enjoy an afternoon with friends and Family.

"It's an opportunity to meet neighbors and see the community center. It also serves as a chance to enjoy some of the benefits to living on post. That's one of the things we pride ourselves on, to provide events for our communities. It's something we want to do for our Families and ultimately we want to improve the quality of life of every Soldier and Family member that lives with us. So, that's why we have it at Bowden Terrace. It's centrally located so everyone can come and hangout since it's easier to get to," said Masters.

He added that Picerne wants single Soldiers to come out and participate.

"Everyone is welcome. Just because our mission is 'Families first' doesn't mean we don't want our single population to attend any of our events. We have a large population of single Soldiers in our housing and we would love for them to come out. We really want to put it out there that we want [single Soldiers] to come out and enjoy some ice cream on us," he said.

Picerne wants single Soldiers living in post housing to know that they are a part of the community and neighborhoods, and wants them to feel as though they are, Masters said.

"There will be other singles there to mingle with, but more importantly this is a chance to get to know the people around you and your community," he said.

The biggest benefit to all the hard work and scheduling that the Picerne staff does to put on events such as the Ice Cream Social, is looking at the smiles on the faces of the adults as they sit back and relax for a moment, and watching the children play together, according to Masters.

"Because of the social, the monthly birthday club that is usually celebrated every second Wednesday at the community centers will be pushed to Sept. 19," he said.