January 7, 2016 • mccsokinawa.com
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ccording to a recent survey by GOBankingRates, “live life to the fullest” is the top resolution for 2016 followed by New Year’s regulars, “live healthier” and “lose weight.” Unlike previous years, financial resolutions are not a goal for many—possibly because most were successful in 2015’s efforts or, more likely, we have decided to switch philosophies—throwing financial caution to the wind by deciding to live each day like it’s our last. Whatever the reason, and whatever your resolution, a goal is a goal. Here are some
inside
tips on reaching some of the most common resolutions of 2016. One of the main reasons resolutions are the most failed goals of the year is because they are often too vague. Instead of saying “live life to the fullest,” which can mean anything from cheating death as many times as possible to simply becoming a morning person, pick something more specific that you can work towards. For example, if your resolution is education-related, figure out exactly what you want to do now. If the goal is fitness, set
Higher Education Briefs | 3 Winter Wonderland Storytime | 3 Culture Corner: Nabe Ryōri | 5 Japanese Phrase of the Week | 5
a specific goal, such as “lose 15 pounds by April.” If your goal is to improve relationships with family and friends, pinpoint tangible things you can do to positively impact your relationships. In this issue, find ways that MCCS can help you reach your New Year’s goals. On page 3, learn about ways to access higher education. If you have relationship goals this year, see page 9 for what MCFTB has to offer. If you’d like to start working off some of those holiday pounds, check out our fitness class of the week on page 11.
Pick of the Week: Futenma Shrine | 7 Spotlight: Improve Your Marriage | 9 Off-Base Events | 11 Semper Fit Events | 11
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livingatlarge
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Higher Education Briefs
here are finite amount of ways you can improve yourself. You can get a cool haircut, hit the gym, maybe get new sneakers. Those adjustments might encourage a few extra people to swipe right, but what about something longer lasting? What about mind improvements and skill enhancement? There are numerous benefits to getting on board with higher education. For example, it can lead to a higher paycheck, the respect of your peers and, of course, you will be smarter and more skilled overall. Whether it’s college, a trade school or graduate education, enhancing your knowledge and building your skill set is one of the best lifetime investments you can make. And, for most folks in the military community, higher education is a very affordable investment. The MCCS Education Centers can show you how with their Accessing Higher Education briefs held on both Camp Foster and Camp Hansen.
The briefs will cover important topics like finding the right school, how to apply and how to get the most out of financial aid and veteran benefits. It is open to transitioning Marines, Sailors and their family members. The brief will be held at the Camp Foster Education Center the first week of each month and at the
Camp Hansen Education Center on the third week of each month. So stop wasting your time and improve yourself in the only way that matters and will last. For brief dates, call Camp Foster at 645-3575 or Camp Hansen at 623-4376. For more information, visit mccsokinawa.com/ educationandcareerservices.
events&happenings
Top: dolgachov/bigstock.com Bottom: Yastremska/bigstock.com
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Winter Wonderland Storytime
eading together, telling tales and listening as a group are great ways to enhance imagination and strengthen relationships. Taking the time to share stories with your children gives them a sense of belonging in the family and is a perfect opportunity to educate them. Communication is the key to building strong bonds, and reading together is a fantastic way to create this positive pathway. Gather your children and head to the Winter Wonderland Storytime to share this pastime with other families on January 22. This year the Winter Wonderland Storytime is themed Frozen from the Walt Disney animated movie. The two-hour program will include songs, stories and building everyone’s favorite snowman, Olaf (all supplies will be provided while available). As a cozy winter evening event, children are more than welcome to wear their pajamas or Frozen-themed clothing.
This program is for ages 5–9, but all families are welcome to attend. Bond as a family and create lasting memories as you celebrate the winter months at this educational and entertaining event. Winter
Wonderland Storytime runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at MCCS Libraries on Camps Kinser, Courtney and Foster. For more information, call 6456453 or visit mccsokinawa.com/libraries.
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER | Jim Kassebaum MANAGING EDITOR | Ryan Anastoplus ART DIRECTOR | Hector Nieves CULTURAL RESEARCH SPECIALIST | Ayako Kawamitsu GRAPHIC ARTS MANAGER | Henry Ortega GRAPHIC DESIGNERS | Margie Shimabukuro, Lisa Miyagi, Kelli Davis, Catherine Newquist, Corrinne Mckenna EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | Mike Daley EDITOR | Caylee Reid PHOTOGRAPHER | Thomas Alan Smilie AD/SPONSORSHIP MANAGER | Roy Forster AD SALES | Yoshihiro Shinzato, Aya Chilcote, Yoriko Yamashiro, Carina Fils-Julien, Lisa Hicks, DISTRIBUTION | Gideon Juko, Sho Vivas MARKETING ACCOUNTS MANAGER | Andrew Menges ACCOUNTS & RESEARCH | Amanda Bakun, Katherine Melrose, Kayla Christen, Jenessa Reutov, Jennifer Dowd, Marissa DeSmet BROADCAST | Victor Mercado, Kathlene Millette, Gabriel Archer CAREER PRACTICUM INTERNS | Michael Johnson, Skylor Stevens
Questions? Comments? Please e-mail OLW@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. To advertise in Okinawa LivingWeekly, call 645-2245, fax 645-0975, or email sales@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. MCCS is not responsible for designing and editing outside ads. No Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps or Marine Corps Community Services endorsement of commercial advertisers or sponsors implied.
This publication printed with
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japanese phrase
culturecorner
of the week
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Akemashite omedetōgozaimasu Happy New Year
Clockwise from the top left: Thomas Alan Smilie, Sandralise/bigstock.com
For details about FREE Japanese language classes, please call Marine & Family Programs–Resources at 645-2104/2106.
n Japan, winter means gathering around a cast-iron or earthenware pot with friends and partaking in a bubbling bowl of nabe ryōri—a shared dish filled to the brim with simmering meats, vegetables, noodles and broth. The word nabe literally translates to “pot,” so nabe ryōri refers to “hot pot food.” Nabe began as farmers’ winter fare before becoming a national winter favorite. Now, family and friends enjoy conversation and drinks over a bowl of nabe, sharing ingredients from the same pot. Sukiyaki is probably the most internationally well-known type of nabe ryōri. Sukiyaki is sometimes eaten at bōnenkai (end-of-the-year parties). Though fish and pork are used, beef is the main ingredient of sukiyaki. Oden is the most popular type of nabe dish that can be seen boiling on household stovetops, on street food carts, and in conve-
Nabe Ryōri
nience stores like Family Mart. Shabu-shabu is another popular Japanese nabe dish. Thin slices of beef sirloin are combined with onions, shiitake and enokitake mushrooms, carrots, and occasionally with udon or harusame (cellophane/ glass noodles, bean thread noodles,
or Chinese vermicelli) and then submerged in either boiling water or konbu dashi (kelp broth). Check your local MCCS Tours+ office for tours and programs that can help you experience nabe ryori firsthand.
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getting there
pickoftheweek
M Futenma Shrine
Turn right at the first intersection outside of Camp Foster’s Legion Gate. The Futenma Shrine will be on your right before the overpass.
Futenma Shrine
aybe you’ve already slacked off on your New Year’s resolution to be more “cultural.” That’s okay—it’s only the second week. We’re with you and here to help. If you have not yet collected your omikuji (yearly fortune), it’s not too late. And that is why our pick of the week is Futenma Shrine—a staple of Shinto shrines in the Ryukyu Islands. Start your (second week of the new) year off the Okinawan way with hatsumode, or first shrine visit of the New Year. Typically, the goal is to visit a shrine on New Year’s Day, but, due to schedules, families may visit on January 3 or later. We are obviously the “or later.” Futenma Shrine is the closest shrine to Camp Foster out of the eight major shrines of the Ryukyu Islands. It is a traditional-style Japanese Shinto shrine, but the tiling is akagawara— made from the red clay of Okinawa. Beneath the shrine is a sacred cave linked to fertility blessings.
If you’re nervous about etiquette violations, here are some basic guidelines: When entering the shrine, it is customary to bow before passing through the torii (gate). Cleanse impurities at the water basin. If you choose to worship at the offering hall or prayer hall, make a small monetary offering and then
bow and clap twice. Say a small, silent prayer. Afterwards is when you can receive your omikuji—usually an oracle written on folded paper. English omikuji are available at Futenma Shrine. We hope your 2016 brings good fortune!
All photos this page: Thomas Alan Smilie
photooftheweek
Toshikoshi soba, or year-crossing noodle, is traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve. The noodles symbolize good luck, long life and letting go of the hardships of last year.
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more details
spotlight
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Premarital Seminar January 8, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Hearts Apart Support Group January 8, 9:30–11:30 a.m. L.I.N.K.S for Spouses January 12–13, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
Clockwise from the top left: artefacti, dolgachov/bigstock.com
Register at mccsokinawa.com/mcftb.
Improve Your Marriage
ake this the year you pop the big question: “Will you attend the premarital seminar with me?” This seminar will cover everything you need to know about getting married in Japan and neighboring countries. Topics will include family programs and resources, IPAC benefits, TRICARE, legal services, immigration procedures, financial partnerships and even communication strategies. Subject matter experts will be on hand to answer all of your questions before taking the leap down the aisle. But what if instead of a honeymoon, your spouse goes on deployment? It’s easy to feel lonely while your spouse is away, no matter what point your relationship is in. The Hearts Apart support group wants to reinforce the idea that you are not alone. Sometimes the best way to deal with deployment issues is to talk through them with other people
who know exactly what you are going through. In addition, join other Marine Corps spouses at L.I.N.K.S. for Spouses. Here you will learn about lifestyles of the Marine Corps and within the military while sharing insights with other military spouses. You can share tips on island life, moving and USMC
traditions, all while creating a network of support. At L.I.N.K.S., you will gain and share knowledge with other spouses and develop resiliency and strength throughout your journey of the military. For more information about these workshops, visit mccsokinawa. com/mcftb.
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tours+
adventure begins here. Bios on the Hill January 13, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Adults $33, Children (4–12) $20, (under 4) FREE This forest park near Onna Village is a haven for short, scenic hikes, colorful flower arrangements and opportunities to interact with goats, cows, pigs and water buffalo. Enjoy a boat ride along the riverbank as you observe the native flowers, plants and wildlife or rent canoes and stand-up paddleboards.
Urashima Dinner Theater January 15, 5:30–9:30 pm Adults $68 with half lobster, $52 without lobster, Children (6–12) $38, (3–5) $34, (under 3) FREE no meal Savor the varied flavors of Okinawan cuisine while being entertained by traditional music and dancers. Mikan Picking Tour January 16, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Adults $32, Children (4–12) $20, (under 4) FREE Visit Izumi Mikan Farm to pick tangerines.
*Bring yen for additional food, drinks and/or purchases. For more information, contact MCCS Tours+: Camp Foster 646-3502 | Camp Hansen 623-6344 | Camp Kinser 637-2744
off-baseevents get out and explore.
Tonan Night Decoration January 7–February 14 5–10 p.m. Southeast Botanical Gardens, Okinawa City ¥1,200
Athletics/Adult Sports 645-3521/3522 Aquatics 645-3180 Courtney Ironworks 622-9261/7297 Futenma Semper Fit 636-2672 Gunners Fitness Center 645-3985/2235 Hansen House of Pain 623-5558/4831 Health Promotion 645-3484/3910 Kinser Fitness Center 637-1869/1114 Schwab Power Dome 625-2654/2442 Taiyo Golf Club 622-2004 Tsunami SCUBA 645-9500 Youth Sports 645-3533/3534
Kanucha Resort Stardust Fantasia January 7–February 28 7–10 p.m. Kanucha Resort Hotel, Nago City ¥3,000 per car
Zakimi Castle Illumination January 7–22, 6–9 p.m. Zakimi Castle, Yomitan Village FREE
upcoming semperfitevents Martin Luther King Jr. Pacific-Wide Basketball Tournament January 14–18 Camp Foster Fieldhouse Register at any MCCS fitness center by 4 p.m. on January 8 for $250 or at Gunners Fitness Center by January 11 for $300. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and third-place finishers. A mandatory coaches’ meeting will be on January 13 at 6 p.m. Details: 645-3521.
Open Wrestling Tournament January 17 MCAS Futenma Semper Fit Gym Register at any MCCS fitness center by 1 p.m. on January 11 for $10 or on-site for $15. This event is open to participants island-wide. Awards will be given to first, second and thirdplace finishers. A mandatory participants' brief will be at 9:45 a.m. on the day of the event. Details: 636-2672.
classof theweek HITT Training Strength, power, speed, agility, flexibility and core stability are the major components of HITT training. Camps Courtney, Hansen, Kinser, Schwab and MCAS Futenma For a full class schedule and times, visit mccsokinawa.com/wellness.